D-Backs dump Da Cubs, rest up for Rockies

October 6, 2007 by Matt Self

Livan Hernandez looked like Livan Hernandez and the D-Backs hitters looked like they’d swung a bat before, finishing off the Cubs in a 5-1 NLDS series-sweeping win in Chicago.

Chris Young got the D-Backs off on the right foot with a lead-off home run in the top of the first. The D-Backs got another run in the inning when Justin Upton singled in Stephen Drew to give Arizona a 2-0 lead before the Cubs saw their first pitch.

But the defining play of the game came in the 4th with Eric Byrnes hustling to first to beat out what should’ve been a double play, allowing Miguel Montero to score from third. It was the the type of hustle play the D-Backs have used to manufacture runs all season, and how the D-Backs continue to defy number crunches to win games no one thinks they should win.

Hernandez, the 1997 World Series MVP, was surprisingly strong, putting in six full innings while scattering five hits on 101 pitches. It was just what the doctor ordered for a team in need of an established 3rd starter. He relied on a two-seamer most of the game that had Cubs chasing balls and hitting into four inning-killing double plays.

The bullpen, which finished the series with Cubs with a 1.08 ERA, mowed down the heart of the Cubs’ lineup. Tony Pena, Brandon Lyon, and Jose Valverde combined for 3 innings, 2 hits, no walks, and 2 strikeouts.

The D-Backs now have 4 days rest before hosting the Rockies, which finished off the Phillies Saturday night.

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