Burroughs ends skid, shrugs off tough stretch

By Anthony Fenech / MLB.com | 08/06/11

PHOENIX -- Sean Burroughs didn't have a clue.

"What streak?" he asked, after Friday night's 7-4 loss to the Dodgers, in which the D-backs infielder snapped an 0-for-20 slump.

"I've been hitting the ball pretty good, but that's just kind of how it goes."

Burroughs snapped the career-long skid with a seventh-inning single off Chad Billingsley. His previous career-long slump was 18 at-bats in 2003.

"I don't really look too much into things like that," he said. "I just try to go up there, make contact and see what happens."

In a bench role, Burroughs has hit .224 with four RBIs in 58 at-bats this season.

In between his plate appearances off the bench, he likes to jump into pitchers' bullpen sessions to keep his eye fresh.

"I've taken millions of swings every day, but I like to see the ball coming out of a pitcher's hand," he said. "It's hard to emulate."

Burroughs also recently relinquished his jersey number to incoming starter Jason Marquis. The former No. 21 is now wearing No. 11.

"He's had that number his whole career," Burroughs said. "It's fine with me."