Arizona Diamondbacks Rally for Fifth Consecutive Win
In an extraordinary comeback, the Arizona Diamondbacks secured their fifth straight victory by defeating the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 at Chase Field. Despite facing base running miscues and a late deficit, the Diamondbacks showed resilience and determination to turn the game around.
The Diamondbacks had taken an early 1-0 lead but missed opportunities to extend it due to base running mistakes. With the bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the seventh, they managed to score only one run after a confusion led to a double play. However, they refused to let frustration consume them.
Pitcher Merrill Kelly had an outstanding performance, pitching seven shutout innings and recording a season-high 12 strikeouts. Unfortunately, he had to leave the game in the eighth inning due to cramping. The Reds took advantage of his absence, with Nick Senzel hitting a game-tying home run off reliever Kyle Nelson. Cincinnati then took the lead, making it 2-1.
Despite facing a potential defeat against a fellow National League Wild Card contender, the Diamondbacks refused to give up. Rookie Corbin Carroll, who had not hit a home run in over a month, launched a two-run shot over the right-field wall to regain the lead. Carroll has been showcasing late-game heroics at Chase Field and continues to impress.
Closer Paul Sewald sealed the victory in the ninth inning, securing the Diamondbacks’ fifth consecutive win and propelling them back into the third wild card spot.
Manager Torey Lovullo expressed his pride in the team’s ability to stay focused and respond to adversity. He acknowledged the mistakes made during the game but commended the players for their determination and resilience.
Kelly, despite his dominance on the mound, experienced cramping for the second time this month. He remained optimistic about his condition, and Lovullo expects him to make his next start. Kelly’s performance was exceptional, with the veteran pitcher tying his career-high in strikeouts and displaying excellent control and location of his pitches.
The Diamondbacks’ victory was characterized by strong pitching performances, with the team limiting the Reds to only three hits in the game. Lovullo praised Kelly’s secondary pitches, particularly his changeup, which proved to be a swing-and-miss weapon. Kelly’s stellar performance lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.97, establishing him as the team’s best starting pitcher in that aspect.
Despite base running mistakes that could have cost them the game, the Diamondbacks demonstrated their resilience and offensive capabilities throughout. The team has displayed a knack for come-from-behind victories this season, with 33 comeback wins in total.
Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks will face the Reds once again, with rookie Brandon Pfaadt taking the mound against Cincinnati’s Brett Kennedy. Pfaadt previously allowed three runs in six innings against the Reds in July and has shown consistency in his recent starts.
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ impressive win streak and ability to overcome obstacles make them a team to watch as they continue their push for a spot in the National League Wild Card race. Their determination and refusal to give up serve as a testament to their strong mindset and resilience.
