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Haren pitches Diamondbacks past Padres
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Arizona Diamondbacks starter Dan Haren pitches against the San Diego Padres in the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday July 30, 2008, in San Diego.
The Associated Press
SAN DIEGO - Dan Haren gave the Diamondbacks a little scare Wednesday, but nothing like he gave San Diego.
Haren felt a slight cramp in his right hamstring while running the bases in the D-Backs’ decisive four-run fifth inning, but it turned out to be nothing more than a false alarm for San Diego’s hopes.
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Haren survived a two-run first inning and the minor irritation to make his 11th consecutive quality start, and the D-Backs kept hitting, pounding out 13 hits in a 7-3 victory while winning their second series on this trip.
Included on the bus ride to Los Angeles for a four-game series starting today was a load of confidence.
“We’re playing the way we should be playing,” said Chris Snyder, who had one of two D-Backs home runs. Mark Reynolds had the other.
“We’re being aggressive. Guys are picking each other up. I think it’s a little early to say ‘anybody, anytime.’ ”
The D-Backs are playing the way they did in the second half of last season, when “anybody, anytime” became their catch phrase.
They have won three consecutive series and have at least 10 hits in 12 in of their last 16 games.
“We’re pushing. We’ll keep pushing,” Snyder said.
“This is the second half. It means more. We’re looking to get something rolling. This is a big four-game series” in Los Angeles.
“It’s all about momentum, especially going to L.A. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be fun.”
Every D-Back had a hit Wednesday, and Chad Tracy and Reynolds had two RBIs apiece, with Tracy’s two-run single in a four-run fifth breaking a tie at 3.
Haren (11-5) scored the tying run in that inning after reaching on an infield error, a play on which he pulled up upon reaching second base.
“I just felt crampy,” said Haren, who flexed his right leg several times as trainer Dave Edwards and manager Bob Melvin visited at second base.
“They were worried it was a pop or a pull. I just needed a second. Then I got some fluids in me and stretched it out. I wouldn’t go out and rush anything. We still have two months left.”
Melvin said he monitored Haren closely, not wishing to risk losing one of his two All-Star right-handers.
“He guaranteed he would take it easy coming home, and he didn’t have any issues the rest of the way,” Melvin said.
“We were in close contact the rest of the way, about to the point he was tired of listening to me.”
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