Drew’s cycle helps D-Backs rally over Cardinals

The Skinny: Stephen Drew went 5 for 5, including hitting for the cycle as the D-Backs rallied from a 5-1 deficit to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-6 in a wild game that featured 8 home runs at Chase Field. Drew became the first Diamondback ever to hit for the cycle at Chase Field/Bank One Ballpark. Arizona starter Randy Johnson was shelled, and lasted only 3.2 innings, before heading to the clubhouse. Trailing 6-4 in the 6th, Mark Reynolds tied the game with a two-run homer off of St. Louis reliever Kyle McClellan, who took the loss. David Eckstein added an rbi single in his Arizona debut, and Stephen Drew scored on a wild pitch to provide the winning margin. Brandon Lyon worked the 9th and picked up the save, his 26th of the year, and his first since August 12th vs. Colorado.

More on Drew: Drew started his memorable day with a single in the 1st, then tripled and scored in the 3rd. In the 5th, he launched a solo homer to right off of St. Louis’ starter Joel Pineiro. Needing a double in the 7th, Drew delivered with a ground rule shot to left to complete the cycle. And for good measure, he added another double in the 8th. It was Drew’s first 5-hit game in the major leagues, and he became only the third Diamondback to hit for the cycle, joining Luis Gonzalez and Greg Colbrunn.

Randy’s struggles: Johnson failed for the 4th straight time to notch his 295th career victory. He was tagged for 5 runs and 6 hits in 3.2 innings, and gave up 4 home runs. It was only the second time in his career that Johnson has allowed 4 home runs in a game. The only other time was August 21, 2005 while he was with the Yankees. In an 11-8 loss to the White Sox, Tadahito Iguchi, Aaron Rowand and Paul Konerko hit 3 consecutive homers in the 4th innings. Catcher Chris Widger also homered in the 4th inning of that ballgame.

Another strong bullpen showing: The bullpen had to work overtime for the second straight game, and performed well. The combo of Jailen Peguero, Jon Rauch, Chad Qualls, Tony Pena and Brandon Lyon allowed only 1 run in 5.1 innings of work.

Repercussions: The win boosts the Diamondbacks’ lead in the NL West to 3 full games, pending the Dodgers’ game later against the San Diego Padres. Colorado beat San Francisco 4-0 to remain 6 games back.

MLB.com : Recap | Boxscore

Here’s what others are saying about Stephen Drew and the D-Backs’ wild win over the Cardinals…

D-Backs rally past Cardinals [AZ Central]

Drew hits for cycle, D-Backs beat Cardinals 8-6 [East Valley Tribune/AP]

Eckstein, Drew hand Cards 4th straight loss [STLToday.com]

The series continues Tuesday night with St. Louis’ Adam Wainwright facing Arizona’s Yusmeiro Petit. First pitch is at 6:40 from Chase Field in downtown Phoenix.

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