Mon May 12 15:39:24 2008

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Webb Master: D'Backs have top server in MLB

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(Sports Network) - Pitching is the most important part of winning at any level of baseball. You don't have to tell that twice to Arizona Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin since he has arguably the best pitcher in the majors on his roster.

Melvin has been experiencing less sleepless nights every other five days when stud starter Brandon Webb takes the ball for the Diamondbacks. Through eight outings this season, Webb is a perfect 8-0 with a 2.41 earned run average. He leads the majors in victories and became the first pitcher to win his first eight starts since Jon Garland of the Chicago White Sox did it in 2005 and the first in the National League since Pedro Martinez turned the trick in 1997 with the Montreal Expos.

The durable Webb has pitched at least six innings in every start this season, and recorded the 13th complete game of his career versus Philadelphia on May 8 at Chase Field. Webb, who is getting a fair share of run support when he toes the rubber, had his "worst" start of the season five days prior to stifling the Philadelphia bats. Against the Mets at home, Webb was reached for a season-high four runs on five hits in six innings of a 10-4 victory. Had the offense not pounded on New York's pitching, this team report would be useless.

"To do that, you've got to have help, and I've had help from all aspects of our team," Webb said. "I'm just going to try to keep it going as long as I can."

Webb enjoys pitching in front of the home crowd too as evidenced by his 4-0 record and 3.41 earned run average through four trips to the Chase Field mound. The righty is scheduled to take the hill again on Wednesday versus the NL West-rival Colorado Rockies at home.

The 2006 NL Cy Young award winner was 8-0 after his first 11 starts that season, so perhaps his current beginning may produce something more than a pitching honor and possibly a World Series championship. Webb went 16-9 with a 3.10 ERA in 33 starts in 2006, then a year later finished the regular season ranked second in the National League in ERA (3.01), second in wins (18), first in complete games (4), shutouts (3), innings pitched (236.1) and fourth in strikeouts (194). Webb is expected to have a new contract done soon, and his current numbers should result in more cash.

Webb, a two-time All-Star, is not the only pitcher enjoying success under Melvin this season. Dan Haren, in his first year with the ballclub, and Micah Owings have been solid this season. You can also throw Randy Johnson into the mix, but he has made just five starts in 2008 while recovering from offseason surgery. Haren was traded to the D'Backs from Oakland in the offseason and the right-hander is 4-2 with a 3.04 ERA in eight starts this season. Haren, though, has dropped two of his last three decisions.

Owings, who is known for his hitting prowess, is toting a 4-1 record with a 4.33 earned run average through seven games. However, he is 0-1 over the past three outings and has allowed 14 earned runs in 17 2/3 innings during that stretch. But there should be no worry there pitching-wise with Owings, who clubbed a two-run, pinch-hit homer to help Arizona rally to an 8-7 win on April 30 versus the Houston Astros. He has five homers in 81 at-bats.

Johnson is 2-1 with a 5.06 ERA in five starts this season. In his most recent outing on Tuesday versus Philadelphia, the left-hander was reached for four runs in six innings of a 6-4 victory. He improved to 2-0 over his previous three outings, and sits 14 wins shy of 300 for his career. The Big Unit was scratched from his Sunday start in Chicago because of inclement weather.

Don't forget about touted young hurler Max Scherzer, who has made three appearances (two starts) this season. He is 0-1 with a 3.14 earned run average, but has been showing signs of promise.

WHO'S HOT

Webb is only the fourth pitcher in major league history to win his first eight decisions of a season as a starting pitcher more than once, joining Roger Clemens, Boo Ferriss and Eddie Lopat.

Relief pitcher Brandon Lyon has posted saves in nine straight opportunities, tossing 13 consecutive shutout innings in that span.

WHO'S NOT

Right fielder Justin Upton has just two hits in his last 14 at-bats (.143), and has just one homer in his previous five games. Upton still leads the ballclub with a .326 batting average.

ON DECK

The Diamondbacks are 3 1/2 games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West division, but have lost three straight and six of their last eight games.

Arizona will open a six-game homestand on Tuesday with the first of three straight contests versus the Colorado Rockies. It will then host the Detroit Tigers for three games.