D-backs' amped-up aggression on bases pays off

DENVER -- Stealing bases and taking the extra base have been hallmarks of the way the D-backs have played this year.

After the first few innings of Wednesday's 9-4 loss to the Rockies, D-backs manager Chip Hale did not see what he usually does from his team.

"We talked about it around the third or fourth inning," Hale said. "We felt like we were being a little passive on the bases and the guys started turning it up and get the extra base and steal some bases so that part of our game is starting to come back. Guys' legs felt a little better tonight so that was good."

Had it not been for a bullpen meltdown, the story of the game for the D-backs would have been how the baserunning led to the go-ahead run scoring in the sixth inning.

Jake Lamb led off the frame by aggressively taking second on a hit to right, narrowly sliding in ahead of the tag. Later in the inning, Chris Owings stole third with one out, which allowed him to score on Ender Inciarte's fielder's choice. That gave Arizona a 4-3 advantage.

"It's been a big part of our game plan all season long and it's put us in some good positions," Owings said of the D-backs, who are second in the NL in stolen bases. "It got us a big run right there. We've done a great job with [first base coach Dave McKay] this year doing our homework on some guys and it paid off big in that situation right there."