Diamondbacks vs Padres: Kelly & Sweep Bid | MLB News
The Arizona Diamondbacks are gunning for a home series sweep against the San Diego Padres, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to their series. Merrill Kelly, the Diamondbacks’ ace, steps onto the mound, bringing a scoreless streak and a determination to dominate. Nick Pivetta of the Padres aims to rebound, making this matchup a pivotal event in their respective seasons. With Arizona’s offense firing on all cylinders, particularly in the late innings, and the padres looking to reverse their recent slump, the stakes are high. Both starting pitchers have key roles. Follow the action with news Directory 3 for game updates and MLB insights.Discover what’s next in the NL West race!
Diamondbacks Seek Sweep as Kelly, Pivetta Fill Pitching Roles
The Arizona Diamondbacks, playing a crucial role in the national League West standings, will try for a home series sweep against the San Diego Padres on Sunday. Merrill Kelly, the Diamondbacks’ most consistent pitcher this season, will take the mound.
San Diego will counter with Nick Pivetta, who looks to regain his early-season form. Both pitchers will play a important role in determining their team’s success.
Kelly, with a 6-2 record and a 3.18 ERA,carries a 15 1/3-inning scoreless streak into the game at Chase Field. Pivetta, also 6-2 but with a 3.48 ERA, seeks to rebound after recent struggles.
Arizona secured an 8-7 victory Saturday, scoring five runs in the ninth. This marked their fifth straight win and second walk-off victory of the homestand.
The Diamondbacks lead the majors with 39 runs scored in the ninth inning.
“It’s been a tough season up to this point,but proud of the guys and the way that we’ve managed to rally,” said right fielder Corbin Carroll. “To be able to get back over .500 is awesome, and now we just have to keep going.”
Arizona is now two games above .500, a mark they haven’t reached since May 21. They’ve also narrowed the gap to 2 1/2 games behind the Padres,who have lost four of their last five.
“it’s just finding what we were doing and remembering how we did it,” said San Diego second baseman Jake Cronenworth, addressing the team’s recent slump.
Kelly’s scoreless streak includes 13 innings over his last two starts. However, he only secured one win in those games after the bullpen faltered against Seattle on Monday.
“the more I’m on the edge (of the plate), the better the day is for me,” Kelly said. “That’s kind of how I make my living. That’s kind of how I survive. I don’t have the stuff to be over the middle…I make my money living on the edge.”
Since april 3,Kelly is 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA. His season ERA now stands at 3.18, his lowest since the yankees game.
“Obviously with (ace) Corbin (burnes) going down, everybody has to step up,” Kelly said. “Even without Corbin being down (Tommy John surgery), we still need to. I’m just trying to capture that momentum and keep the train moving.”
Kelly’s career record against the Padres is 9-4 with a 3.36 ERA in 16 starts. Fernando Tatis Jr. has hit four home runs against him.
Pivetta has only one win in his last seven starts, allowing five runs in each of his previous two outings.
“Could have gotten ahead a little bit better, earlier on, made some better pitches,” Pivetta said after his last start against the Dodgers.
Pivetta is 1-1 with a 4.63 ERA in three career appearances against Arizona.
What’s next
The series finale will determine whether Arizona can complete the sweep and further solidify their position in the NL West. Both Kelly and Pivetta will be key to their team’s chances.