PHOENIX -- There was never reason to believe Mike Hampton was going to avoid days like this. But at least for now, he can take solace in the fact that his early exits from starts aren't a result of faulty body parts.
Coming off his first win in nearly three full years, Hampton was unable to stay on a roll, and the Braves couldn't complete a four-game sweep at Chase Field on Sunday afternoon. The lefty's inconsistent control helped the Diamondbacks gain an early lead and claim a 6-1 victory.
Hampton, who was making just his fourth start of this year, allowed six earned runs and five hits in four innings. The 35-year-old southpaw surrendered consecutive singles to begin his outing and allowed the Diamondbacks to construct a three-run first inning that was highlighted by Mark Reynolds' two-run double.
Given the early advantage, Brandon Webb had no trouble securing his Major League-best 17th victory. Utilizing his patented sinker, Webb limited the Braves to six singles and one earned run in six innings. He got into trouble when a pair of walks allowed the Braves to load the bases with nobody out in the sixth inning.
After an Omar Infante sacrifice fly gave the Braves their only run of the afternoon, Mark Kotsay delivered a single to once again load the bases and set the stage for Jeff Francoeur to hit a soft dribbler back to Webb, who promptly turned an inning-ending double play. In 23 at-bats with the bases loaded this season, Francoeur has collected three hits and grounded into five double plays.
Webb, who entered the game with a .143 batting average, aided his cause with a two-run, fourth-inning double that soared over Mark Kotsay, who was positioned in shallow center field.
Friday
May 2nd, 2025
6:34AM
