DBacks Notes:
OAKLAND, Ca. -- The sun was high in the sky for a Saturday showdown between the similarly uniformed Astros and Diamondbacks (you had to pay attention in order to know who to cheer for). The DBacks were poised to spoil the hosting Astros’ season opener.

Things started well for the DBacks getting a runner to 3rd base in the top of the 1st inning, but were unsuccessful in scoring. The lefty Matt “Sometimes” L. took the mound for the DBacks. He needed just 8 pitches to retire the side in the bottom of the 1st.

The DBacks threatened again in the top of the 2nd, loading the bases after the first two batters were retired. Again, the DBacks came up short from scoring. In the bottom of the 2nd the Astros scored 2 runs to take a 2-0 lead.

Fresh off their rally, the Astros retired the heart of the DBack lineup in order to start the 3rd and later added another run for a 3-0 lead after three innings. It was then the DBack offense awoke. Matt “Wizard” G. led off with a walk. Jack “Dash” P. followed with another walk. Both runners later scored on a soaring double to the gap by Billy “Old Spice” O. making the game 3-2.

In the bottom of the 4th, the Astros sent 8 batters to the plate, but the DBack defense limited the damage to just 2 runs and thus keeping the game within reach at 5-2. After a boisterous team cheer the DBacks seemed ready to add on the scoring momentum started the inning prior. But Astros starting pitcher Peter J. would again set the heart of the DBack lineup down in order to thwart the DBack’s intentions.

Dash pitched scoreless 5th and 6th innings to give the DBacks a chance at a late game rally. After an uneventful 6th inning, the DBacks coiled up ready to spring in the 7th. Colin M. led off with a walk. Old Spice followed with a 2-strike single. Sometimes followed with another single, knocking in a run. Woodrow “B.A.” C followed with another walk. With nobody out and the bases chuck full of DBacks, the Astros brought in Ben F. Quite simply, he slammed the door shut striking out the next 3 DBack hitters on just 10 pitches and preserved a 5-3 Astro victory.

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
DBacks	0	0	0	2	0	0	1	3	4	2
Astros	0	2	1	2	0	0	X	5	4	0