Diamondbacks cruise past Braves behind slugging J.D. Martinez
J.D. Martinez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a two run homer during the eighth inning of the MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field on July 26, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(July 26, 2017 - Source: Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images North America)
The Arizona Diamondbacks (58-43) cruise past the Atlanta Braves (48-52) as they win 10-3 in the rubber game. RF J.D. Martinez hit two home runs, making this his fourth career multi-homer game and third of the season.
The Braves were able to score in the opening inning. 2B Brandon Phillips singled with one out and advanced to third base on a double from 1B Freddie Freeman. LF Matt Kemp grounded out next but Brandon Phillips came home to put Atlanta up 1-0.
The Diamondbacks responded in the bottom of the frame. LF Gregor Blanco led off with a single and went on to steal second and third base. With two outs 3B Jake Lamb hit a sacrifice fly ball to bring Gregor Blanco home for the tying run.
The Snakes pulled away in style in the third. They led the inning off with back-to-back walks to Jake Lamb and 1B Paul Goldschmidt. With one out 2B Daniel Descalso hit a triple as CF Ender Inciarte lost track of the ball in outfield, driving in two runs for Arizona. SS Ketel Marte then followed with an inside the park home run to give the Dbacks a 5-1 lead.
The Braves loaded the bases in the fourth inning with a leadoff single from SS Dansby Swanson and back-to-back walks to SP Aaron Blair and Ender Inciarte. Brandon Phillips hit a sacrifice fly ball next and Dansby Swanson came home to cut the deficit to three runs.
Atlanta went on to load the bases again but could not get another run in.
Despite a plate appearance in the top of the fourth Aaron Blair did not return to the mound in the bottom of the frame. In his season debut he surrendered 5 hits, 5 walks and 5 earned runs while striking out 3. The 25-year old was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to make this start.
The pitching change (RP Luke Jackson) did not have the desired effect as the Diamondbacks extended their lead to five runs. Paul Goldschmidt doubled with two outs and J.D. Martinez followed with his second home run since being acquired from the Detroit Tigers on 18 July.
Arizona’s SP Patrick Corbin went 6 innings, allowing 7 hits, 4 walks and 2 earned runs while fanning 5. He now has a 4.36 ERA with a 1.51 WHIP on the season.
The Diamondbacks got another run in the seventh inning. Ketel Marte doubled with one out and came home on a single from PH Brandon Drury to put Arizona up 8-2.
The Braves scored again in the eighth. Dansby Swanson led off with a double and crossed home plate on a single from RF Nick Markakis.
The Dbacks further widened their lead in the bottom of the inning. Paul Goldschmidt drew a leadoff walk and moved to second base on a wild pitch. J.D. Martinez followed with his second homer of the game to give Arizona a 10-3 lead.
J.D. Martinez went 2-for-4 with 2 runs, 2 HR and 4 RBI. He is batting .250 and has 4 runs, 3 HR and 7 RBI as a member of the Diamondbacks.
The Atlanta Braves continue their road trip with a four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies (34-64) from Thursday to Sunday.
The Arizona Diamondbacks travel to the St. Louis Cardinals (49-51) to play a four-game series from Thursday through Sunday.
