Reynolds’ Perfect Day Leads D’Back Slaughter of Astros 13-3

(photo by Matt York/AP)

"All the chips fell in place, and I was able to get my shot. I’ve always heard if you get your shot you’ve got to take
advantage of it because it may only happen once. So that’s what I’m
trying to do, just staying on an even keel, not get too high or too low
and playing the game hard."

–Mark Reynolds, who has hit safely in 8 of his first 10 games, and went 5-5 last night.

Rookie Mark Reynolds, who came up from Double A ten days ago, had a perfect 5-5 night to lead Arizona’s slaughter of the Houston Astros 13-3.  Reynolds was so hot that when he tried for a double last time up in order to hit for the cycle, he hit a homer instead, his second of the game.  His five-hit barrage produced four RBI; he also scored four times.

Carlos Quentin, who continues to heat up, went 3-4 with three RBI and a run scored.  Eric Byrnes hit a triple during the Diamondbacks’ monster sixth inning in which they scored eight runs; that triple, his fifth of the year, drove in two runs and he also scored. Tony Clark, who entered the game in the sixth as a pinch-hitter, also batted in two runs and scored a run. He stayed in the game replacing Conor Jackson as part of a double switch, but not before CoJack went 1-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Scott Hairston went 2-5 with an RBI and a run scored.  Even relief pitcher Tony Pena got a hit and batted in a run in the sixth inning.

Catcher Miguel Montero did not get the chance to bat in any runs.  He went 0-2 but was walked three times, twice intentionally, and he scored a run. Stephen Drew went 2-4 and scored a run. Orlando Hudson went 1-4 and scored a run.

You got all that?

So once again the Diamondbacks mounted a very balanced attack.  But, clearly, the night belonged to rookie third baseman Mark Reynolds, who continues to set a torrid pace.  He is now batting .459.  He was very comfortable in his first-time batting cleanup. He should stay there and Byrnes, who still batting a very healthy .297, should bat second.  By the way, a tip of the cap to Houston Astros shortstop Adam Everett and third baseman Mark Loretta, who made great plays to rob Eric Byrnes of hits his first two times up.  (I knew the Red Sox should not have gotten rid of Loretta!) Chris Young is feeling better and we should see him today or tomorrow back atop the lineup.

While obviously Reynolds can’t keep up a .459 pace, he’s proven so far that he belongs in the majors.  The question is what the Diamondbacks will do once Tracy gets off the DL.  (Express your opinion by voting in the poll in the right sidebar).  His staying once Tracy is back will mean another person loses his roster spot unless there is another injury that opens up the space.  Tracy was not exactly stinking up the joint when he got hurt.  He was batting .311.  But for now at least, Reynolds is the hotter and more exciting player.  Unfortunately, as far as I know, Reynolds can only play third base.  The Diamondbacks still need a backup shortstop and second baseman.  Alberto Callaspo is batting only .200 and is now carrying very negative off-field baggage.  If Reynolds played middle infield, the Diamondbacks’ choices would be obvious.

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