D-backs hold off White Sox to seal sweep

May 24th, 2017

PHOENIX -- The D-backs put together a six-run rally in the fifth inning and then held off a persistent White Sox offense for an 8-6 win Wednesday afternoon and a sweep of the three-game series at Chase Field.
The D-backs have won three straight and eight of their last nine to go 10 games above .500 for the first time since the 2011 season.
"Something special could happen here," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. "We're on the right road. We have a long way to go. It's not a time for us to get all soft and cozy."
The Sox had jumped out to a 2-0 lead behind the pitching of , who retired the first 10 batters he faced. Things turned quickly when the D-backs scored two runs in the fourth and then sent 10 men to the plate in the fifth.

"He left a couple of pitches out over the plate," said White Sox manager Rick Renteria of Quintana. "He started off OK, and then gave up a few runs."
Quintana: Location culprit for big-inning woes
"Just turn the page on this day and just keep working and do my thing and throw the ball where I want, especially fastballs," Quintana said. "That's part of the game and it happens some time. Just turn the page and keep going."

(1-0) picked up the win in relief for the D-backs, who used reliever to start the game in place of the injured . Nick Ahmed, Chris Owings and each drove in two runs for Arizona, while Chicago's finished a triple shy of the cycle.
D-backs' relievers deliver in bullpen day win

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Lamb hits lefty: Lamb has been dropped to seventh in the batting order against lefties, which have proved to be an Achilles' heel for him this year. His two-run homer off Quintana was just the second of his 13 homers this year to come off a lefty. It was the first homer to a left-handed hitter that Quintana had allowed since Sept. 18, 2016.
"I obviously know what's going on," Lamb said of his struggles against lefties. "But at the same time I'm not putting any extra pressure on myself. I'm just happy with where I'm at mentally, I'm in a good spot. The results will come just with more ABs and me continuing to work at it."

Double trouble: After the D-backs' six-run inning, the White Sox appeared to be on the verge of getting back in the game when they collected a single, homer and walk to open the sixth. , though, grounded into a 5-4-3 double play and the Sox were not able to do any further damage in the inning. Garcia also grounded into a double play that hurt a rally in the fourth.
"I can't say I'm surprised," Lamb said of the relievers getting out of jams. "They've been doing it all year."

QUOTABLE
"I've always said the team is first. I want to thank God for how I've performed through this rough stretch. But it's not something that makes me feel happy because we didn't win as many games as we wanted to win. It's tough." -- Abreu, through interpreter Billy Russo, on matching a career high with four hits but still watching his team finish 3-7 on this road trip
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Abreu has a six-game road hitting streak, going 13-for-28 (.464) with three doubles and three home runs. All 10 of Abreu's home runs have come on the road this season.
UPON FURTHER REVIEW
was denied a single with one gone in the fifth when right fielder Owings appeared to make a diving catch. Renteria challenged, and video replay quickly overturned the call and gave Smith a hit.

WHAT'S NEXT
White Sox: The White Sox have a day off Thursday following the conclusion of a 10-game road trip before starting homestand action Friday with a doubleheader against the Tigers. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. CT, with Mike Pelfrey starting Game 2 and the Game 1 starter yet to be announced.
D-backs: The D-backs open a four-game series with the Brewers and an 11-game road trip Thursday night at Miller Park at 5:10 p.m. MT. Robbie Ray, who tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings in his last outing, will get the start for Arizona.
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