Snake Bytes, 5/11: Slump-Breaker Edition

Quick Quotes

"It just worked out," Gibson said. "One of the things that I guess if you're hitting eighth you have to tell yourself, you might come up in a situation and do something good, which he did. It was huge for us."

Kirk Gibson on Montero hitting a game-winning blast in the 8^th inning of Friday night's game.

"I was fortunate enough the ball hit the pole," Montero said. "It feels great to help the team, because I've been disappointed with myself not being able to hit the ball the way I wanted or get the production I was expecting to. I've had so many opportunities and I haven't gotten it done and it stinks."

Miguel Montero on getting the big hit.

"First of all, I thought they would walk me to get to the lefty," Prado said. "But I guess they gave me a chance to have a good at-bat. He made a couple pitches and the only thing I was trying to do was hit the ball hard. I was thinking the other way, the opposite way and finally he threw a fastball I could handle and, fortunately for us, we tied the game."

Martin Prado on breaking his skid batting with runners in scoring position.

Daily Diamondback Digest

Diamondbacks Extend Win Streak to Five

In game two of the four-game series, the D'backs faced off against spot-starter Tyler Cloyd, in for the injured Roy Halladay. Ian Kennedy had a rough first but then quieted down and turned in a quality start, allowing just two runs through seven innings. The D'backs' offense was kept mostly quiet by Philly pitching, however, long-struggling teammates Martin Prado and Miguel Montero both came through with clutch hits. Prado ended a 1-31 RISP affair with a hard-earned single to right, while Montero came through with a game-winning home run off the right field foul pole in the eighth.

Atlanta Comes to Phoenix (and Brings Justin Upton with Them).

Starting Monday evening, the Diamondbacks will be hosting the Atlanta Braves, led by former Diamondback "favourite" Justin Upton. While Upton is looking forward to spending a few nights in his house and in his own bed, it remains to be seen what sort of reception he is going to receive at the ballpark.

Bell Happy to Close

Heath Bell welcomes the challenge presented to him by the unfortunate injury to Diamondback closer J.J. Putz.

Around MLB

Umpires in the News

MLB handed crew chief Fieldin Culbreth a two-game suspension and fined the rest of the umpiring crew an undisclosed amount for not knowing or properly adhering to the rules involving the switching of pitchers during a game on Thursday night. Meanwhile, a day earlier, a different crew blew the call, even after review, on a home run in the ninth inning that would have allowed the Oakland A's to tie up the game. That blown call was allowed to stand.

Can We Get That One Back?

Although the Cardinals' rookie sensation isn't complaining, you know he wants back that lead-off single he surrendered to Colorado right fielder Eric Young, Jr. Why is that? Well, after allowing the lead-off single, Miller went on to retire the next 27 batters he faced, leaving him that one mistake short of not only a no-no, but a perfect game.

Former Diamondback has a Big Night

For a guy that keeps getting let go by teams as not being suitable as a back-up first baseman, Lyle Overbay sure keeps getting things done. Last night was no different as the two-time former Diamondback stroked a home run on four hits and drove in five RBIS. The performance was part of a 16-hit barrage the New York Yankees laid on the Kansas City Royals to lift Joe Girardi to his 500^th career managerial victory.

Futility Watch

Houston Astros

Strikeouts: 360 (on pace for 1620 on the season)

Record: 10-26 (on pace to go 45-117)

Miami Marlins:

Record: 11-25 (on pace to go 50-112)