D-backs bullpen falters again as they lose to the Pirates, 5-4

Ian Kennedy hit the mound today in Chase Field to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that he's had great success against. Too bad it's a new season. Pittsburgh roughed him up early as he let up 4 runs in 6.0 IP. However, the D-backs showed off their tough and resilient snake skin nature as the struck back to tie the game off a rare Johnny Mac homer in the 8th inning. However, the D-backs Bullpen once again blew an opportunity as Andrew McCutchen singled in a run against Bryan Shaw at the top of the 9th inning. Juan Cruz, a former Diamondback, got the save for the Pirates.

Kennedy shuts down Pirates, earns 20th win

Ian Kennedy allowed one hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates over 8 innings as Arizona beat the Bucs, 1-0. The three most valuable players for the Diamondbacks played well tonight: Kennedy got win #20, Upton hit his 31st homer of the year (the only run of the game), and closer JJ Putz notched his 42nd save of the season. The magic number is now at 4 with 8 games remaining.