Edwin Encarnacion got his first hit of the 2008 season in the second game. It could not have been any bigger. Encarnacion took a 2-2 Brandon Lyon fastball deep over the outfield wall to drive home three runs and win the game for the Cincinnati Reds. Lyon faced three batters, and retired none.
Dan Haren made his first start for his new team on the day, and was impressive in six strong innings. He allowed only four hits, but two left the park, while surrendering three runs to the Reds. He also had four K’s opposed to just one walk. He also had a double that knocked in a run, and scored a run to help his cause.
Stephen Drew hit his first homer of the season in the second off Reds starter Bronson Arroyo, blasting the ball deep into right field. Drew went 2-4 in the game. Second baseman Orlando Hudson also had two knocks on the day. The Reds were backed by all their runs on homers. Encarnacion had a 3-run shot, while Brandon Phillips had a 3-run bomb and Corey Patterson added a solo homer. Phillips added another hit to go 2-4, while Jeff Keppinger went 3-3 on the day.
Jeremy Affeldt picked up the win after throwing a scoreless top of the ninth before Encarnacion ended the night sending fans home happy.
The Diamondbacks will play one more game in Cincinnati before heading to Colorado. The Diamondbacks will try to claim the series win tomorrow.
