Corbin's perfect May nets monthly pitcher award

Patrick Corbin's undefeated start to 2013 has earned the D-backs rookie National League Pitcher of the Month honors for May.

It's Corbin's first monthly award and the first time a D-backs pitcher has taken home the monthly hardware since Dan Haren in June 2008.

The 23-year-old lefty posted a 5-0 record in five starts last month, leading the NL and tying American League Pitcher of the Month Jason Vargas for the most in the bigs. Corbin also posted a 1.53 ERA, the lowest mark among NL qualifiers and second lowest in the Majors.

Corbin posted a team-high 31 strikeouts and a .180 average against, the fourth- and second-lowest marks, respectively, in the Senior Circuit.

Corbin's first four starts were befitting of the honor. He tossed seven innings of one-run ball against the Padres on May 4, held the Phillies to one run in 6 1/3 innings on May 9, tossed seven shutout frames against the Braves on May 14 and struck out a career-high 10 Rockies while allowing one run in a complete-game gem at Coors Field on May 20.

Corbin experienced his roughest start of the month in his May finale, allowing four runs (three earned) in six innings against the Padres but still coming away victorious.

Corbin's first eight starts of going at least six innings and allowing two earned runs or fewer joined Ubaldo Jimenez as the only pitchers since 1916 to open a season with as many outings. Jimenez had 12 straight such starts in 2010.

Corbin's nine wins lead the Majors while his 2.06 ERA ranks fourth among qualifying starters.