Snake bites

• Since returning from Triple-A Reno earlier this month, D-backs reliever David Hernandez has not allowed a run in seven appearances.

Gibson has noticed a big difference in Hernandez, who had a 5.59 ERA in 48 appearances before his demotion in early August.

"I don't think he had his mechanics, he wasn't throwing the ball as good, didn't have the conviction in his pitches," Gibson said. "He's got a lot more velocity coming out of his arm right now, able to locate it much better. His breaking ball is better as well."

• With the D-backs trying to get a long look at young shortstops Didi Gregorius and Chris Owings, there has not been much playing time for veteran Cliff Pennington.

"He's handled it well, as good as you could expect anybody or ask anybody to handle it," Gibson said. "We've talked about it, he knows what's going on and he knows we're going to play the young guys. Willie Bloomquist hasn't seen much shortstop lately either. We've got a lot of guys, a lot to figure out. It's not to say that he won't get another start, but for the most part it's going to be those young kids."

• The D-backs Double-A Mobile affiliate rallied from a two-games-to-none deficit to force a decisive Game 5 in the Southern League Championship Series. The BayBears dropped the finale, however, ending their hopes of a recording three straight titles.

Class A South Bend, meanwhile, fell in the Midwest League Championship Series.