Javelina clip eagles, move within half game of first

After an inexplicably painful and disappointing loss to the Arizona Desert Swarm in week 12, the Javelina entered week 13 in need of a win. They got what they needed. The Javelina used a dominant pitching performance and timley hitting to overcome the Olivet Killer Eagles by a score of 7-4-1, making up three and a half games of their fresh four game deficit in the process.

The pitching set the tone for this win, kicking off the week with 16 innings of one run ball from Ryan Dempster and Gio Gonzalez and never looking back. All told, the pitching staff walked away with five of six pitching categories (SV, K, ERA, WHIP, H), dominating to the tune of a 2.49 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 3 holds, 5 saves and 53 strike outs. LHP Gio Gonzalez led the way for the starters (2-0, 16 K, 0.60 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 15 IP), and newly acquired closer Jose Valverde posted three saves in his first week with the team. Also joining the fun were Jered Weaver (1-0, 1.13, o.75, 8 K, 8 IP) and Ryan Dempster (ND, 1.13, 0.80, 6 K, 8+IP).

"The pitching was fantastic," said GM Jamie Hoyle. "We had a real rough patch in late April and early May, but everyone on the staff has stepped up and pitched well for the last several weeks. This is what we expected when we drafted these guys."

While certainly not overpowering or impressive, the offense did its part in holding off the Eagles from making a late charge. Despite floundering to the tune of a .230 batting average, the offense still managed to steal two offensive categories (R, BB) and post respectable peripheral numbers. Led by the duo of Andrew McCutchen (.393, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R, 3 BB) and the newly acquired Jhonny Peralta (.348, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 7 R, 3 BB), the offense managed to pound out 8 HR and drive in 25 runs.

"[The bats] weren't great, but they did just enough," said Hoyle. "'Cutch continues to improve and impress, and Jhonny provided exactly the kind of shot in the arm we thought he would. We just need one or two more guys to step up and help them out."

The Javelina didn't get to enjoy their win for long. They began a crucial divisional match-up against rival North Texas on Monday. The team did make one noteworthy change to the lineup for the series; utility player David Murphy replaced Alexi Casilla at second base and immediately chipped in with an RBI double. The team also welcomed Takashi Saito back from a lengthy DL (and WW) stint, filling the bullpen slot that was vacated when closer Ryan Madson was placed on the 15-day DL.

Hits and Misses....
The Andre Ethier trade is already paying off for the Javelina as Valverde recorded three saves and Peralta hammered 2 HR in their first week on the team...Andrew McCutchen is on pace for 28HR, 30SB, 90BB, and 100+ runs in 2012...John Niese survived a rocky first inning on Friday to post his eighth quality start since May 18...Opening Day starter Jered Weaver leads the majors in ERA and seems destined to start the All Star Game for the American League...RP David Hernandez has assumed closing duties for the Diamondbacks.