Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) – Chris Young’s second homer of the game, a two- run blast in the bottom of the ninth inning, rescued the Arizona bullpen and lifted the Diamondbacks to a 7-5 win over St. Louis in the rubber match of a three-game series at Chase Field.
Arizona closer Chad Qualls, who began the day sporting an inflated 7.77 ERA, was called on to protect a three-run lead in the ninth and promptly allowed a double to the leadoff batter, Felipe Lopez. Colby Rasmus then hit a chopper to first and was safe after Qualls bobbled the toss from Adam LaRoche.
Albert Pujols then grounded an RBI single to left field. Rasmus advanced to third on a Matt Holliday flyout and came home on a base hit to center by Randy Winn.
Esmerling Vasquez (1-2) replaced an ineffective Qualls on the mound and uncorked a wild pitch that allowed Pujols to score, tying the game at 5-5. Vasquez retired the next two batters to end the frame.
Kyle McClellan (0-2) took the hill for St. Louis in the bottom of the ninth and quickly set down the first two batters. Miguel Montero lined a single to left before Young crushed an 0-1 pitch over the wall in left-center.