SAN DIEGO -- The D-backs arrived in San Diego Friday in a rut. Frustrating back-to-back losses in Chicago rounded out a disappointing 3-4 road trip coming out of the All-Star break. Arizona was tired, discouraged and, frankly, in need of a reboot.
The D-backs should be in much better shape heading home to Chase Field, as they slugged their way to an early lead and held on to a 5-4 victory and a three-game sweep over the Padres at Petco Park on Sunday afternoon.
It didn't come easy, as the Padres threatened late, but the trio of Yoshihisa Hirano, Archie Bradley and Brad Boxberger showed why the D-backs' bullpen ranks as one of the best in the National League.