Diamondbacks 4, Dodgers 2: A tale of two games, but still a loss

This game was pretty tame and boring until the ninth inning. The game was tied at one on the strength of solo home runs by Miguel Montero and Scott Van Slyke.

After that, it was like an entirely different game. Chris Withrow did this:

That would have been a hell of a way to lose a game. Luckily, Withrow was bailed out by everyone’s favorite Uribear.

Love you, Juan Uribe.

Unfortunately, temporary closer Chris Perez gave up two runs off the bat of Aaron Hill in the 12th inning to give the Diamondbacks a 4-2 win against the Dodgers.

Zack Greinke pitched well, despite not being terribly efficient with his pitches (105 pitches, 68 strikes in six innings). He gave up three hits, a run, two walks (his first since his season debut) and struck out a season-high eight batters. However, the home run bug bit him again, as he gave up a home run to Miguel Montero in the sixth inning. Thankfully, it was only a solo shot. But it was the fifth homer he’s allowed this season in 22 1/3 innings. Last season, he didn’t give up his fifth home run until June 27. Not sure what it means — other than a higher-than-average FIP — but it’s something to watch going forward.

The Dodgers didn’t do anything to help Greinke out, as they didn’t get their fourth hit off Diamondbacks’ starter Wade Miley until the fourth inning. They did draw five walks against Miley (seven walks total, including three by Yasiel Puig), but they couldn’t cash in any of them. They struck out eight times (11 times total), continuing their trend of not putting the ball in play — they’re seventh in baseball in highest strikeout percentage.

Kirk Gibson let Miley go back out for the seventh inning, and he promptly gave up a then game-tying homer to Van Slyke. Miley was already at 106 pitches through six innings and had his best outing of the season, but Gibson pressed it — and paid the price.

Oh, and this:

Scott Van Slyke this year against Wade Miley: double off the wall home run double off the wall walk fly out strikeout walk home run

— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) April 19, 2014

So, thanks for that, Gibby, even if it didn’t result in a victory.

Game 2 of the series is Saturday at 5:10 p.m. Pacific time. Mike Bolsinger (I know, who?) faces off against Dan Haren.