We all knew that it was an impossibility for Brandon Webb to go the entire season undefeated but that still did not make it any less of a surprise when his first loss of the season came at the hands of the Florida Marlins when facing a young pitcher who came into the game sporting an ERA well above 4 runs. This was one of those games you just assumed that the Diamondbacks would win; especially after the Diamondbacks lost the first game of this series. Instead, the Arizona offense decided it would be a great day to take off and visit the beaches around Miami.
Webb did everything he needed to do to win this game. He threw 7 strong innings allowing only 6 hits and 3 runs while striking out 7. Even in the warm Florida air his pitches seemed crisp and his sinker was especially ugly tonight confusing many of the Marlins hitters. Note I said many of the Marlins hitters and not all. Former Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Luis Gonzalez connected with a pitch in the fifth inning that went over centerfielder Chris Young's head for a triple. Gonzo scored on a perfectly executed squeeze bunt. The Marlins scored again on a home run by Cody Ross to take the lead.
Diamondbacks fans have been accustomed to seeing the team battle back and come from behind and you just sat there expecting to see the bats come alive and erase the 2 run lead that Florida held. Instead the Diamondbacks hitters made Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco look more like the rebirth of Nolan Ryan. Webb allowed 6 hits and 3 runs. Nolasco allowed 3 hits and 1 run. Both pitchers struck out 7 batters they faced and both lasted 7 innings. It was a helpless feeling watching this game seeing batter after batter come to the plate and be retired. The only bright spot in this game was Stephen Drew who went 3-4 and drove in the only Diamondbacks run with a home run in the fourth inning. Other than Drew the only position player to get a hit this game was Chris Snyder who had a double against Nolasco. I think the Diamondbacks hitters owe Brandon Webb an apology for letting him down like they did tonight. So much for the unbeaten streak.
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