Gallen strikes out 11 players, Diamondbacks end 3-game losing streak with 8-2 ​​win over Giants

PHOENIX (AP) — Zac Gallen struck out 11 players in six innings, pinch hitter Pavin Smith hit a three-run home run and the Arizona Diamondbacks ended a three-game losing streak with an 8-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night.

Arizona needed a rebound after a losing streak that included blowing an eight-point lead in a loss to Milwaukee and a lackluster 11-0 loss to the Giants on Tuesday.

The Diamondbacks responded thanks to a strong performance from their ace, tying the New York Mets in the National League wild-card game one game ahead of Atlanta. The Braves and Mets had to postpone the final two games of their series to a doubleheader on Monday due to Hurricane Helene.

“That's a big deal. I think we had to prove it to ourselves to get back on track,” Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker said. “We had to find a little bit of confidence and a little bit of self-awareness.”

Gallen gave it to them.

The right-hander allowed a run-scoring double from Tyler Fitzgerald in the second inning, but then kept the Giants in check. Gallen (14-6) took out 12 players in a row starting in the second inning and shut out the team in the fifth inning.

“This is probably the best feeling I've had in a long time,” said Gallen, who allowed one run on two hits and two walks to earn his fifth straight win by points. “Everything seemed to be working for the most part and I executed a good game plan.”

Arizona's offense also came back to life after Tuesday's disappointment, getting past Giants starter Mason Black (1-5) by the third inning. Gabriel Moreno had two RBIs and Smith put the game out of reach in the eighth inning by hitting a home run into the pool in right-center.

The Giants offered little resistance after their victory over the Diamondbacks, conceding 17 strikeouts and ending a 7-1 series against the playoff contenders.

“We need to bring it into play a little more,” said Giants manager Bob Melvin.

Black earned his first major league win by throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings against Kansas City last Friday.

Against the Diamondbacks, he wasn't nearly as quick-witted.

Control issues forced Black to allow run-scoring singles by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Moreno in the second inning before Corbin Carroll added a sacrifice fly. Black worked three walks in the third inning, including Moreno with the bases loaded, giving Arizona a 4-1 lead.

Black allowed four runs on five hits and five walks in 2 2/3 innings.

“Walks are always deadly,” Black said. “Mechanically, I just didn't feel in sync out there.”

TRAINING ROOM

Diamondbacks: RHP Paul Sewald worked a brief bullpen session as he works on his recovery from neck/shoulder issues.

Next

Giants: San Francisco has not yet named a starter for the opener of a three-game series against St. Louis on Friday.

Diamondbacks: Arizona has not yet named a starter for the opener of a three-game series against San Diego on Friday.

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This story has been updated to correct the name “Arizona Pinch Hitter” from Gavin to Pavin Smith.

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