Record: 36-30. Pace: 88-74. Change on last season: +10

How many of you Diamondback fans remember the 80's movie "Fast Times At Ridgemont High"? Remember the late Ray Walston as the teacher, Mr. Hand? In the game today, we had a young Mr. Hand, specifically Brad Hand, pitching against our Diamondbacks, vs. our very own Daniel Hudson. In the first inning of the game, there was plenty of excitement, as both Willie Bloomquist and Justin Upton drew walks, Ryan Roberts popped out to 2nd base, Stephen Drew had a double, driving in 2 runs, but also getting tagged at third base trying to get himself a triple. Chris Young got a base hit, but the inning came to a close with Xavier Nady flying out to right field. 

Daniel Hudson had challenges ahead in the forms of Marlins big bats Mike Stanton, Logan Morrison, Gaby Sanchez, and former Diamondback Emilio Bonafacio. The only hits for the Marlins in the bottom of the first came from the bats of Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez. 

Daniel Hudson got on base in the 2nd inning via a walk.

Emilio Bonafacio proved he is indeed a Diamondbacks killer with a stand-up triple in the bottom of the 2nd inning. 

The third inning was when our bats really came alive, with Ryan Roberts slapping his 10th home run of the season over the center field wall, Stephen Drew and Chris Young each getting base hits, and Xavier Nady's sac fly gained him an RBI, bringing the score to 4-0, Diamondbacks. Chris Young, however, also ended the inning by being caught stealing.

Fast forward to the bottom of the 7th, the Marlins up to bat. Our beloved Daniel Hudson was pulled after allowing a single and back to back walks, which loaded the bases. David Hernandez came in to pitch.

The end results for Hudson:

6.0 IP   8 H   1 R   1 ER   3 BB   7 SO   0 HR

Hernandez allowed a sacrifice fly before striking out Mike Stanton and getting Greg Dobbs out, hence ceasing the threat and maintaining our lead.

Aaron Heilman came in to close out the game for us, striking out Omar Infante and getting help from a couple of fly balls to end the game. 

I must say this was a great birthday present...especially the Ryan Roberts home run! That, for me, was the icing on the cake! 

[Click to enlarge, at fangraphs.com]
Birthday cake: David Hernandez, +23.2%
Candles: Stephen Drew, +12.2%
Belated greetings: Henry Blanco, -2.6%
[but commended for his pitcher-handling]

A thread filled with 1172 comments...here's the rundown of who had the most: justin1985 (128), NASCARbernet (116) and Bcawz (104). Also present, in a healthy turnout: dback4life, Clefo, JustAJ, Jim McLennan, blue bulldog, piratedan7, xmet, andrewryno, Rockkstarr12, snakecharmer, hotclaws, diamondfacts, 4 Corners Fan, Backin'the'Backs, kishi, Conrad Kaczmarek, IHateSouthBend, Bryan J. Boltik, emilylovesthedbacks, BulldogsNotZags, Jdub220, ZonaBacks10, Dallas D'Back Fan, Muu, Brian MacKinney, TinySarabia, dbacks25, rfffr, DbacksSkins, jinnah, Sprankton, SenSurround, Husk, Stile4aly, imstillhungry95 and manwild.

My Comment of the Day choice, after much consideration, goes out to Jim for his mind-reading abilities and this post:

I can hear Rockstarr cheering from here

Daron "...the D. Baxter fan-club" 
Mark: "A non-profit organization."

by Jim McLennan on Jun 12, 2011 10:54 AM PDT reply actions   2 recs

Thank you for the birthday wishes, Gang :) You've made my birthday...and this game...a very fun one for me :)