PHOENIX (AP) — Shelby Miller says every pitcher has a bad day. He finally had his first of the season on Tuesday night.
Still, the Atlanta Braves rallied to take the lead only to lose to the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 on A.J. Pollock's two-out, two-run home run into the Chase Field swimming pool in the seventh inning.
"I think we lost five games in this road trip," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said, "and they all happen to be right there in those innings."
Miller lasted a season-low 4 1-3 innings, allowing four runs on six hits with six walks and one strikeout.
"Shelby struggled for the first time the whole year," Gonzalez said. "He was battling his mechanics a little bit. His command was not like we have seen it before, but never the less we had a chance to win the ball game. "
The four runs and six walks were season worsts for the right-hander, who had not allowed more than two earned runs in any of his 10 starts leading into Tuesday.
"I didn't get in the groove-type thing, but those kind of days happen," Miller said. "You are still human."
Ender Inciarte had two RBIs, two runs scored and two stolen bases for the Diamondbacks. He drew a two-out walk from Brandon Cunniff (2-1) and scored on Pollock's home run.
"I just made a bad pitch and he crushed it," Cunniff said.
A.J. Pierzynski and Todd Cunningham each drove in a pair of runs in the Braves' five-run sixth inning after the Diamondbacks had taken a 4-1 lead off Shelby Miller.
Miller lasted a season-low 4 1-3 innings, allowing four runs on six hits with six walks and one strikeout. The four runs and six walks were season worsts for the right-hander, who had not allowed more than two earned runs in any of his 10 starts leading into Tuesday.
Andrew Chafin (3-0) pitched 1 1-3 inning to get the victory. Brad Ziegler threw a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.
Arizona starter Josh Collmenter left with two outs in the sixth inning and the Braves erupted.
Pierzynski's two-run bases-loaded single off J.C. Ramirez cut the lead to 4-3, Jonny Gomes' RBI double tied it, then Cunningham's double down the left field line on the first pitch from Chafin put Atlanta up 6-4.
"I know Jonny Gomes well. He can hit a fastball and he smoked it off the wall," Arizona manager Chip Hale said. "Those guys are veteran guys. Really good hitters. Same with Pierzynski. This guy continues to get big hits. It's just impressive."
Miller walked Collmenter to load the bases in the second, then Inciarte singled in two. Miller walked Paul Goldschmidt to bring in the third run.
"This game is not made for excuses and there is no reason to go out there and walk six batters," Miller said. "There is no reason to go out there and walk the pitcher. It is just a tough day."
Goldschmidt walked four times, twice intentionally. He has been walked 41 times this season, 17 in the last 13 games.
