Diamondbacks 5, White Sox 1: Zack Attack Back Tracks White, um, Sacks

The Diamondbacks returned home tonight after a 5-1 stretch against teams that could be reasonably defined as “In existential despair” and “rebuilding as all heck” The White Sox don’t quite fit into the first category, but slightly more into the second, so it may be an interesting test in the “Pollock on the DL” portion of the season.

Neither team was able to generate much offense early. Zack Greinke was able to flummox White Sox hitters, and the Diamondbacks decided to load the lineup bench lefties at various spots.

Joke was on us, though, as Daniel Descalso hit a three-run homer into the pool in the 4th to give the D-Backs a 3-0 lead.

Leury Garcia added a solo shot off of Greinke next half inning, because things like that happen sometimes in a chaotic universe. Of the 10 homers Greinke has given up this year, 9 have been solo shots. It’s his thing, I guess. We should be supportive of him trying to be creative.

In the 6th, Paul Goldschmidt barely missed a double down the line. The very next pitch went better for him. blasting his 11th homer of the year to make it 4-1.

Jake Lamb followed with a triple. Chris Owings had an infield single thanks to the pitcher not covering (Lamb held up) and that chased Miguel Gonzalez (faster than he chased towards first.) Dan Jennings came in for the White Sox. He walked Descalso on four pitches to load the bases for Reymond Fuentes. Fuentes grounded to short, and the throw went to home, but Omar Narvaez couldn’t get a handle on it, and despite a questionable slide from Lamb and a challenge, the play was upheld and the Diamondbacks took a 5-1 lead.

Chris Beck came in for Chicago. Jeff Mathis proceeded to show Beck where it was out. He got two baserunners and a groundball (a double play, if you will.) Greinke grounded out, so a bases-loaded no outs situation yielded only one run. However. 5-1 is still 5-1.

Brief Diamondback (and I mean very brief) David Holmberg appeared in the 7th for the Sox and pitched a 1-2-3 inning. I was as surprised as you were that he’s still around.

Greinke pitched to three batters in the 9th, going for the complete game. He got the first two (including a strikeout on an Eephus-like pitch, but Jose Abreu doubled and that did it. Zack’s line: 8.2 IP, 1 ER, 12 K (Season high for him personally), and 1 BB.

Archie Bradley threw exactly one pitch to get the final out. Diamondbacks win!

Amazing!: Greinke (+34.1%)

Less so!: Peralta (-12.1%)

Patrick Corbin faces Dylan Covey tomorrow. Diamondbacks could win the series! You should be happy about that! I will, however, tolerate your indifference.