Bloomquist's aggressive style pays dividends

By Anthony Fenech / MLB.com | 06/02/11

PHOENIX -- Willie Bloomquist wasn't thinking.

"Had I thought about it, I probably wouldn't have gone because it's not really a smart play," the D-backs infielder/outfielder said about advancing two bases on an infield groundout in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 6-5 victory over the Marlins.

"It just kind of happened," he said. "I'm willing to push the envelope and make them make a play."

Standing on first with one out, Bloomquist was running on the 2-1 pitch that Ryan Roberts grounded to third base.

"I had a pretty good idea," he said. "I was a few steps around second base when the third baseman was releasing that ball and figured it would take two long, perfect throws to get me."

He figured right, and after Greg Dobbs connected with Gaby Sanchez for the forceout at first, Bloomquist slid into third without a throw.

The 10-year Major League veteran said he wanted to put more pressure on the defense.

"Maybe they throw that ball away and we get an easy win," he said. "Not only that but it brings up the fact that the pitcher can't throw a curveball in the dirt, or maybe he'll be a little less likely to bury one with a guy on third."

After Kelly Johnson walked, Justin Upton's bloop single to right scored Bloomquist for the victory.

"No, not really," Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez said when asked if he was surprised Bloomquist went first-to-third. "He's a very good runner."