Miami, FL – Paul Goldschmidt went 4-for-5 with a pair of two-run homers, as the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Miami Marlins, 9-2, in the opener of a three-game series.
Eric Chavez and Cody Ross drove in two runs apiece, with Chavez knocking a solo shot, and Martin Prado had an RBI for the Diamondbacks, who have won three straight.
Arizona starter Trevor Cahill (3-4) allowed just one run on five hits and four walks over eight frames.
"I was just keeping the ball down and making a pitch when I had to," Cahill said. "I'll try to throw more strikes next time."
Rob Brantly and Placido Polanco each drove in one run for the Marlins, who are on a six-game losing streak. Starter Kevin Slowey (1-4) lasted three innings, giving up six runs on seven hits.
"He struggled with his command," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "He just couldn't throw a breaking ball and could tell he just didn't have it today."
Goldschmidt and Chavez hit back-to-back homers in the first, with Goldschmidt scoring Gerardo Parra, who doubled to start the game.
Justin Ruggiano grounded into a double play to kill a bases-loaded chance for Miami in the first.
Two innings later, Goldschmidt smashed another shot into the stands, plating Didi Gregorius. Following the home run, Chavez singled, but was forced out at second from a grounder by Ross, and Miguel Montero drew a walk. Prado singled, scoring Ross, to give the Diamondbacks a 6-0 lead.
In the seventh, Goldschmidt doubled to lead off the frame and scored on a sacrifice fly by Ross.
The Marlins finally got on the board in the seventh. Cahill gave up three straight singles, the last one coming from Brantly, who plated Greg Dobbs. Prior to the rally, Cahill retired 13 straight batters.
Arizona added two more runs in the ninth. Gregorius drew a leadoff walk and the team connected on three straight singles by Goldschmidt, Chavez, and Ross to create an eight-run cushion.
Will Harris pitched in the ninth for the Diamondbacks. He got two quick outs, before allowing a double by Dobbs, who then scored when Polanco's hit bounced off Harris' leg and Prado had a tough time making a grab.
Game Notes
Goldschmidt has 35 RBI, second-most in the majors ... Chavez went 4-for-5. He has hit safely in seven of his last eight games, going 13-for-24. Cahill has held opponents to two runs or less in five straight starts.
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