JUST IN: Diamondbacks confirm returns of another key man

The Diamondbacks triumphed over the Boston Red Sox 4-1 at Fenway Park, with Zac Gallen leading the charge by delivering six scoreless innings, marking his 10th win of the season. After a shaky start to their road trip, losing the first three games, the team has bounced back impressively, winning the next five to secure a winning road trip and consecutive series victories.

Manager Torey Lovullo praised Gallen’s performance during the postgame TV broadcast, highlighting his focus and aggressive approach. “He had a great mindset, attacked the zone, and his fastball was on point. His curveball was sharp, and the changeup was effective against left-handed hitters. I told him he’d get close to the 100-pitch mark, maybe a bit over, and he finished that sixth inning strong,” Lovullo said.

Gallen’s performance was a welcome return to form for Arizona’s ace, who had struggled with a 5.24 ERA over his last nine starts. He held the Red Sox to just two hits, consistently escaping jams and racking up nine strikeouts, his highest total since May 18.

The Diamondbacks also shone defensively, particularly in the infield. Geraldo Perdomo and Luis Guillorme made standout plays, with Guillorme’s Superman dive and quick throw off his left hip robbing Masataka Yoshida of a hit, a play that could be a contender for Play of the Year.

“That was amazing, he was flying, like Superman,” Geraldo Perdomo said in a postgame interview with Jody Jackson on the TV broadcast. “I’m really surprised he made that play. It was a tough one, and I’m glad he pulled it off for the team.”

Although the Diamondbacks’ offense wasn’t explosive, managing only four hits throughout the game, they capitalized on six walks, with three of those runners eventually scoring. Eugenio Suárez provided all the offense they needed with a two-run double off the Green Monster, giving Arizona a 2-0 lead. Suárez has been on fire, recording hits in four of his last five at-bats and driving in seven runs during that span.

In the seventh inning, the Diamondbacks extended their lead without even swinging the bat, adding two more runs to make it a four-run game. Lucas Sims and Brennan Bernardino struggled with their control, issuing four walks, including a bases-loaded walk to Jake McCarthy. Bernardino then threw a two-strike wild pitch while facing Joc Pederson, allowing Luis Guillorme to score a crucial insurance run.

Manager Torey Lovullo emphasized the team’s patience in his postgame comments. “It’s like a firewall—if the pitcher has good stuff or is attacking and we’re not getting hits, our patience pays off. We get baserunners and create run-scoring opportunities,” Lovullo said. “That’s what happened today. We took advantage of the walk and the passed ball, and that made the big difference in the game.”

The Diamondbacks bullpen performed well to secure the win. Ryan Thompson and A.J. Puk each contributed a scoreless inning, with Puk notably retiring Boston’s three top hitters. In the ninth, Paul Sewald encountered some trouble, giving up a single and a double to the first two batters he faced, but he managed to finish the inning and close out the victory.

Next Game

The Diamondbacks are set to go for a series sweep against the Red Sox. Right-hander Merrill Kelly (3-0, 3.63 ERA) will aim to rebound from a difficult outing, much like Zac Gallen did, while Boston will counter with their most reliable starter, Tanner Houck (8-8, 3.01 ERA), in hopes of salvaging the series finale. The first pitch at Fenway Park is scheduled for 10:35 A.M. MST.