Webb's arm and bat pace D-backs to third straight

Well, after what I had said about Brandon Webb yesterday being in good shape for today's game, I almost had to eat my words. After struggggelllling mightily in the opening inning against the Giants tonight, giving up all three of the runs he surrendered, he was tremendous in his next six innings in shutting them out. The D-backs now win their third game in a row against San Francisco, this time by a 7-6 score.

Webby did look shaky at the start, but quickly turned it around, mostly with the help of his own bat with his two-run double in the bottom of the second. That hit seemed to rally Arizona as it then scored three more runs in the inning, including a mammoth blast by Justin Upton. Webb now goes to 21-7 on the year...not too shabby. His Cy Young challenger Tim Lincecum goes tomorrow for the Giants against the Unit. Would be nice to see the D-backs rattle Lincecum early and knock him around the park a bit. Good luck though....that 13-year old looking kid brings a serious arm to the hill.

Stephen Drew is back to his old tricks and just knocking the cover off the ball again. He went 4-for-5 tonight, bringing his average up to .287 now on the season. He has really come into his own this second half of the season, and has truly solidified his position at short in the future for this team.

As for the bullpen....well...a 7-3 lead going into the ninth should more than enough cushion you'd say...but not for Doug Slaten who quickly came in and walked the first two Giants batters. Tony Pena then came in and gave up a two-run triple to Omar Vizquel, and this game was on. I'm still not sure exactly what the team sees in Slaten except for the fact that he throws left-handed. I know lots of guys who are left-handed....they just don't happen to throw in the bigs...

So...just as big as the D-backs winning tonight was the Dodgers getting smoked by the Pirates. So, it's now down to 3 1/2 games.....ya never know....