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Owings returns to haunt D-Backs with game-winning hit
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Reds pinch hitter Micah Owings, right, looks upward after hitting an RBI double as the Diamondbacks' Adam Dunn looks to third during the 10th inning Saturday in Phoenix.
The Associated Press
In the top of the 10th inning Saturday, Diamondback fans heard a familiar name being called in to pinch hit — pitcher Micah Owings. Only this time he was wearing Cincinnati red.
With Jolbert Cabrera on first and two outs, Owings stepped in to the batter’s box and faced Diamondback closer Tony Pena.
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“I was just trying to relax, breath and stay with in my approach,” Owings said.
He stepped into his familiar, pinch-hitting role and delivered a low line drive down the left-field line to double and drive in Cabrera for the winning run.
“It means a lot,” Owings said, “I was grateful for the opportunity”.
While it was a familiar scenario for Owings, it was equally remarkable.
Owings took batting practice on Friday for the first time since he injured the teres major muscle in his right shoulder. It was also his first at-bat for the Reds.
“Everyone knows he can hit. If anybody knows he can hit, they do,” said Reds manager Dusty Baker, referring to Owings’ former teammates.
It has been a month since the Diamondbacks traded Owings, Wilkin Castillo, and Dallas Buck to the Reds for slugger Adam Dunn, though Owings didn’t officially join the Reds until Friday after he cleared waivers.
Dunn went 1-for -3 and was handed an RBI when Josh Roenicke, in his major league debut, hit Dunn with a pitch in the seventh inning with the bases were loaded.
In the third inning however, Dunn squandered an opportunity to score when he grounded into a double play with one out and the bases loaded.
Dunn was acquired to give the D-Backs some offensive firepower, but Owings, who is batting .302 this year, stole the show Saturday with a single appearance at the plate.
In 20 career at-bats with the score tied, Owings has eight hits and three RBIs. And he has done it with a P in front of his name.
According to Baker, that P will not be in front of Owings’ name until next season.
For now, he will just help his team by swinging the lumber.
After the game, Owings was calm and unassuming.
“I still haven’t comprehended it,” he said.
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