Gallen strikes out 11, Diamondbacks end 3-game slide with 8-2 win over Giants

Zac Gallen recorded 11 strikeouts over six innings, while pinch hitter Pavin Smith contributed a three-run home run, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to an 8-2 victory against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night, thus breaking a three-game losing streak.

The Diamondbacks were in urgent need of a turnaround following a series of disappointing performances, which included a loss to Milwaukee where they squandered an eight-run advantage, as well as a disheartening 11-0 defeat to the Giants the previous day.

With this win, Arizona matched the New York Mets in the National League wild card standings, placing them one game ahead of the Atlanta Braves. The Braves and Mets had their final two games of the series postponed to a Monday doubleheader due to Hurricane Helene.

“These games are crucial; we needed to demonstrate to ourselves that we could get back on track,” stated Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker. “It was essential for us to regain some confidence and swagger.”

Gallen played a pivotal role in this resurgence.

The right-handed pitcher allowed a run-scoring double to Tyler Fitzgerald in the second inning but subsequently silenced the Giants' offense. Gallen (14-6) retired 12 consecutive batters starting in the second inning and struck out all three batters he faced in the fifth.

Gallen expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “That’s probably the best I’ve felt in a while.” He allowed one run on two hits and issued two walks, securing his fifth consecutive victory. “Everything seemed to work, for the most part, and I executed a solid game plan,” he added.

The Arizona offense rebounded impressively after a disappointing outing on Tuesday, effectively chasing Giants starter Mason Black (1-5) from the game by the third inning. Gabriel Moreno contributed two RBIs, while Smith extended the lead in the eighth inning with a home run that landed in the pool in right-center.

The Giants struggled significantly, failing to mount a strong response after their previous victory over the Diamondbacks, striking out 17 times and ending a 7-1 streak against playoff contenders.

“We need to make more contact,” remarked Giants manager Bob Melvin.

Black had previously secured his first major league win by pitching 5 2/3 scoreless innings against Kansas City last Friday, but he was not as effective against the Diamondbacks.

Struggling with control, Black surrendered run-scoring singles to Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Moreno in the second inning, followed by a sacrifice fly from Corbin Carroll. In the third inning, he walked three batters, including Moreno with the bases loaded, which allowed Arizona to take a 4-1 lead.

In total, Black allowed four runs on five hits and issued five walks over 2 2/3 innings.

“Walks always kill,” Black acknowledged. “Mechanically, I just felt out of sync out there.”