I dont see a lot of weakness on this club

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SAN DIEGO -- With the San Francisco Giants getting hot, the Arizona Diamondbacks know they have to keep winning. miracurl pro babyliss c disc . Joe Saunders took a five-hitter into the ninth inning, Paul Goldschmidt drove in three runs and the Diamondbacks beat the San Diego Padres 5-1 Sunday to cut the magic number to five for their first NL West title since 2007. Arizona maintained a five-game lead over second-place San Francisco with nine games remaining, stopping a three-game losing streak. The Diamondbacks open a nine-game homestand Monday against Pittsburgh, then host the Giants for a three-game series next weekend. "When you go on a little stretch and you get a little antsy like that, you start to press a little bit," Saunders said. "You just need to relax. When you relax, things come easier to you. I think thats what happened. They didnt try to do to much and we just played our game." San Francisco kept the pressure on the Diamondbacks with its eighth straight win, 12-5 at Colorado. "Its been a couple of days, so its a good feeling," Arizona manager Kirk Gibson said. "Every victory at this point of the season is great. The Giants have been playing great and are on a big winning streak. We needed to match that and take care of our own business." Saunders (12-12) wanted to make sure he did his job at Petco Park, where he has pitched his best games this season. The lefty limited last-place San Diego to an unearned run and seven hits in 8 2-3 innings, improving to 3-1 with a 1.47 earned-run average against the Padres this year. He threw his only complete game this season in a 6-1 win at San Diego on July 26. "I came in this morning and decided I need to go out there and throw my A game," Saunders said. "We got some clutch hits down the stretch. Were grinding it out. It was a good win for us." After Saunders allowed two-out singles by Kyle Blanks and Alberto Gonzalez in the ninth, J.J. Putz struck out pinch-hitter Nick Hundley for his 41st save in 45 chances. Goldschmidt led the Arizona offence, which managed just three runs during the losing streak. Goldschmidt had three hits, including a leadoff homer in the sixth that put the Diamondbacks ahead for good at 2-1. "We just couldnt get to Joe Saunders," Padres manager Bud Black said. "His assortment of fastballs in, fastballs down and away. We just couldnt get enough balls squared against him." Aaron Harang (13-7) allowed two runs and eight hits in six innings. He has lost four of his last five starts despite a 3.19 ERA in that span. Cameron Maybin had a leadoff single in the third, stole second, took third on Miguel Monteros throwing error from behind the plate and scored on Jason Bartletts groundout. Monteros 17th homer tied the score leading off the fourth. Goldschmidt put the Diamondbacks ahead 2-1 with a leadoff homer in the sixth. "It was just a first-pitch fastball up and away," Goldschmidt said. "He likes to get ahead with fastballs, so I was looking for it." Goldschmidt combined with Aaron Hill for RBI singles in the seventh against Brad Brach and added a sacrifice fly against Erik Hamren in the eighth. NOTES: Arizona was 11-7 against San Diego, which is 23-43 against the NL West. ... RHP Ian Kennedy (19-4, 2.99 ERA) will attempt to become the NLs first 20-game winner this season Monday when he faces Pittsburgh RHP Jeff Karstens (9-8, 3.45). ... San Diego LHP Corey Luebke (5-9, 3.27) will start the opener of a three-game series, the clubs final road games, at Colorado against RHP Kevin Millwood (3-2, 3.68). babyliss curl secret . Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he had a discussion with Braun and trainer Roger Caplinger to reach the decision. Braun was disappointed he has to pull out after being the NLs top vote-getter, but didnt want to risk aggravating the injury. curl secret pas cher . It lasted just 64 seconds before Zack Smith and the Senators retook the lead. Bobby Ryan scored two goals and the Senators topped the Capitals 6-4.Got a question on the latest news and rumours? E-mail Hockey Insider Darren Dreger and hell answer your emails at [e-mail]! Darren, What is the possibility that Brian Burke will try to do right for Colton Orr and trade him to a team that needs his physical presence? This would possibly get Orr some more NHL time and make the game limit for the pension. Someone like the Canucks. Thank you,William Spence A: William, Burke and the Maple Leafs gave the rest of the league an opportunity to claim Colton Orr for free via waivers...instead, he passed through and was demoted to the Toronto Marlies. Every team can use Orrs character, but the reality is few see the value in giving a pure enforcer a full time roster spot. I can assure you, Burke would like nothing more than for Colton Orr to be back in the NHL, mostly because of Burkes appreciation for the player and the difficulty of the role hes expected to play. I agree, Vancouver could use some added toughness, however, as my colleague Pierre LeBrun has reported, someone like Travis Moen seems a more likely fit. Moen plays hard, creates space for his linemates and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Dregs, In the grand scheme of things, how bad was Tim Thomass decision not to go to the White House? I mean, its not that he missed a practice, arrived at the arena late or slept in - anything that could have a direct impact to how the team performs on the ice. Was this a mountain out of a molehill? Eric Credlel A: Eric, Tim Thomas put himself and his personal views ahead of his team. The annual trip to the White House is an extension of the Stanley Cup celebration Thomas obviously didnt value. The investment Thomas made to get healthy before last season...the adjustments he made to his game in preparation for an incredible season speaks to the Tim Thomas I know, an honest hard working man. The decision he made to skip the trip to the White House wouldnt have been an easy one and based on the fact Bruins management knew several weeks ago this was his plan, Thomas is obviously strong in his convictions. However, putting personal views ahead of the team is never acceptable and now Thomas will have to do what is expected of him by his teammates... and that is, be the best goaltender in hockey. Hi Darren, Now that the Red Wings are rolling along, just wondering if Ken Holland would add anyone for the playoffs? I heard that possible players - maybe Selanne, Grabovski, Elias, Hemsky and Jason Blakke? Hopefully they can add someone to help balance out the scoring! Mike GrossHamilton A: Mike, Ken Holland is among the best at identifying players he knows will help the Red Wings in the playoffs. babyliss curl secret pas che. Ive heard some rumblings, like the Canucks, Detroit will, or has shown some interest in Moen. I would expect the Wings would show considerable interest in Brendan Morrow if Dallas is truly listening to teams targeting the veteran centre. Hard to imagine the Stars are willing to do the Red Wings any favours, but if the price is right, anything is possible. Darren, I heard you mention on Buffalos sports radio 550 last week that the Canadiens might be interested in Derek Roy. With Pierre Gauthier going across the continent last week scouting, is he actually looking for another centre/Top 6 forward? Theyre a long shot at best to make it, so shouldnt they be in sell mode? David Shalon A: Montreal, like a lot of teams need a big centre and a Top 4 defenceman. With the playoffs an unlikely goal, Im sure Gauthier is willing to move his expiring contracts - namely Hal Gill, Chris Campoli, Travis Moen and Andei Kostitsyn. There was a suggestion a couple of weeks ago that the Habs may have interest in Roy, but its hard to get a true read on how substantive the interest is or was. Clearly, both Montreal and Buffalo are in need of a new direction, but I dont get the sense either team is prepping for a fire sale. Hello Darren, With the Canucks carrying eight defencemen, it seems to me a trade is on the way! I think were in search of a more physical presence on the blueline. What do you think - is there a deal to be made from that standpoint? Cheers,Steve A: Steve, I would agree the Canucks could use an upgrade on their blueline. Defensively, they may not have enough depth to match up with the Bruins in the event these bitter rivals do us all a favour and meet again in the Stanley Cup final. Vancouver, as mentioned earlier is hoping to add some grit up front which is why Moen seems to be a reasonable fit. But overall, I dont see a lot of weakness on this club and believe the trade for David Booth is going to pay off in the postseason. Canucks GM Mike Gillis is very methodical and doesnt dabble in fruitless trade talks. If he sees a defined need in the weeks leading up to the Feb. 27 trade deadline, he will act decisively to address it. Got a question on the latest news and rumours? E-mail Hockey Insider Darren Dreger and hell answer your emails at [e-mail]! ' ' '