MIAMI -- The D-backs have had a knack for late-game comebacks. They did it again Thursday, taking a 3-2 win in the opening game of a four-game set with Miami at Marlins Park.
Arizona shortstop Nick Ahmed set a season high with three hits and moved his career batting average against Miami to .370 (17-for-46). But it was his two-run single in the eighth inning that made the difference in the game.
"Just get a good pitch to drive some runs in," Ahmed said of the key at-bat. "I know [Marlins reliever Brad] Ziegler is tough, just from playing behind him for a bunch of years. Just trying to get a ball up in the zone and take care of the first guy at third, not try to do too much."
He credited vital information from catcher Chris Iannetta for his successful day at the plate.
"I got a really good scouting report from Iannetta, who's faced him in the past, and that really helped. It was huge for me," said Ahmed, who wouldn't divulge any specifics, but said the information was "really important."
It was Arizona's National League-leading 19th comeback win this season.
"These guys believe that they're ready for any moment," manager Torey Lovullo said. "I don't believe they panic at any moment. They're just ready to take advantage of anything they possibly can. And it's a credit to them. They believe in one another."
But Ahmed gave credit right back to his manager.
"I think it's just the character of our team; it starts with Torey," he said. "In Spring Training he stressed the importance of a 'never quit, never die' attitude.
"It's a group of guys in here that really love the game and want to win and want to help each other no matter how many runs we're down -- always going to play and believe we're going to win."
Ahmed hit a go-ahead homer in the 11th inning of Wednesday's 14-inning win over Pittsburgh and is swinging a hot bat right now.
"I feel comfortable with what I'm doing with my swing mechanically," Ahmed said. "I feel strong. I'm able to repeat my mechanics day in and day out."
Lovullo said the hard work and dedication that Ahmed has put into his game is paying dividends.
"He's come up in key situations and has done his job," Lovullo said. "That's the result of a lot of hard work. Every hitter looks for these moments. It really doesn't surprise me."