PHOENIX -- It's been a tough 2017 season so far for Chris Herrmann, but the D-backs catcher got a chance to savor some success both at and behind the plate in Saturday night's 9-2 win over the Phillies.
Herrmann went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, made a great play behind the plate to save some runs and also once again did a good job working with starter Robbie Ray.
A left-handed hitter, Herrmann twice got hits off lefty pitchers. His RBI single in the fifth went to left field and his two-run double in the seventh was to the gap in right-center.
"I know that it's been a frustrating year for him," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. "I know that he had a tremendous offensive year last year, but we still have a long way to go with this season. And when he's having productive at-bats, staying behind the ball, left-on-left moments and having those results, you know you're doing a lot in your swing and setup to have that kind of impact on the ball. He's in a good place and he should feel good about his game tonight."

Herrmann helped out defensively when he made a semi-diving catch on third baseman Jake Lamb's throw home and somehow managed to keep his foot on the plate for a bases-loaded force in the seventh.
"Weird plays like that, athleticism just kind of takes over," Herrmann said.
The D-backs were up 6-2 at that point, but had the ball gotten by him, the Phillies could have jumped right back into the game.

"That out was a really big moment," Lovullo said. "Because if the ball gets by him, I think two runs score and we're talking about a totally different situation. So not only did we stop the ball from going around behind home plate, but we got a big out."
Lovullo has paired Herrmann and Ray and it has worked out well for Ray, who raised his record to 8-3 with a 2.87 ERA.
"It's been great, great relationship on and off the field," Ray said. "I think that's huge to have that kind of relationship, to have that communication and he has full trust in all my pitches."
Herrmann still has a way to go at the plate this season, with Saturday's game raising his batting average to .183, but contributing to a team win always leaves Herrmann with a smile on his face.
"I feel good," Herrmann said. "I really do. I know my average hasn't been showing that, but I feel like I've been having some good at-bats, seeing the ball well. It's good to have a game like tonight where I drove the ball a couple of times. Hopefully I can build off of that."