Quotes

"It was a pitch I don't expect to get hit at all, It was right where I wanted. Just kind of a hard four-seam up and away. I wanted to use it to establish something else, and he took a swing and hit a home run so it was pretty surprising."

- Brandon McCarthy

Recaps

Braves win pitching duel against Diamondbacks in series opener - azcentral

After blasting 28 runs over their previous two games, the Diamondbacks ran into a pitching duel Friday that resulted in a loss to the Atlanta Braves in front of 24,504 at Chase Field to open a three-game series.

Braves get best of pitching duel with D-backs - Fox Sports Arizona

Craig Kimbrel got the final four outs to break the Atlanta record for career saves in the Braves' 5-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. Kimbrel, with his 16th save of the season (in 18 tries), has 155 for his career, one more than John Smoltz. His 155 saves have come in 172 opportunities. Jason Hayward drove in three runs, two with a home run, and Andrelton Simmons doubled in a run for the Braves.

McCarthy whiffs nine, but D-backs fade in opener - dbacks.com

The Braves took the first game of a three-game series against the D-backs in a 5-2 pitchers' duel. Braves starter Julio Teheran (6-3) and D-backs pitcher Brandon McCarthy (1-8) both picked up quality starts, but the Braves came out ahead.

Heyward, Braves top McCarthy, D-backs in series opener: By The Numbers - Arizona Sports 620

Here's a look back at the three-run defeat by the numbers.

Daily D'backs

Braves' Justin Upton not impacted by Valley visits - azcentral

Despite an eight-year tenure with the Diamondbacks where he was promoted as the face of the franchise, nothing much stirs inside Braves outfielder Justin Upton when he returns to Arizona.

MLB draft: Breaking down Diamondbacks' Day 2 picks - azcentral

The Diamondbacks added eight players to their draft class on Friday, bringing the two-day total to 12. Here's the lowdown on the team's second-day picks, with insight from Diamondbacks amateur scouting director Ray Montgomery.

Law: D-backs 'got good value' with early-round draft picks - Arizona Sports 620

In recent years, ESPN baseball insider Keith Law has been adamant in his disapproval of how the Arizona Diamondbacks have been run -- especially from a player development standpoint. But it seems general manager Kevin Towers may have made a fan out of Law, at least for one night.

It's been a big month for D-backs draftee Curtis - Fox Sports Arizona

Zac Curtis is on a nice run. He celebrated his three-week wedding anniversary by being taken by the Diamondbacks in the sixth round of the major league draft on Friday.

Trumbo takes on-field BP, still striving for July return - dbacks.com

After two months, injured outfielder Mark Trumbo is slowly making his way back on the playing field.

Diamondbacks hoping bats can stay hot - azcentral

Taken on the strength of their offensive success against the Colorado Rockies in Denver earlier this week, it would seem the Diamondbacks are on the verge of becoming an offensive juggernaut. Or they could be destined for a letdown when away from the thin mountain air.

Around Baseball

Analyzing the best prospects chosen on Day 2 - mlb.com

Clubs made a total of 241 choices, and these were the best players who did or didn't hear their names called.

Cards turn first triple play in nine years - mlb.com