In what was likely the Diamondbacks most exciting game of the season, the D-backs secured a series victory over the Nationals with a walk-off walk.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Tommy Henry provided six solid innings, allowing just two earned runs on six hits. This was a massive improvement compared to his other two starts this season. Entering the Saturday night matchup, Henry held a team-worst 6.52 ERA.
The Diamondbacks bullpen then held strong up until the ninth inning, when the Nationals mounted a tremendous comeback after trailing by five runs. It started with a solo homerun from Keibert Cruz, followed by a base knock and a walk. This sudden emergence of life from the Nationals’ offense forced reliever Scott McGough out of the game with one out remaining.
The Nationals then kept the hits rolling against Diamondbacks closer Andrew Chafin, who has been mostly reliable all year. With two outs in the ninth, the Nationals scored four runs, giving them a 7-6 lead.
However, this one-run lead was not nearly enough to put the Diamondbacks away. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. responded immediately with a solo home run to spark a bottom of the ninth rally.
Gurriel Jr. had a four-hit game, bringing his batting average above .300 for the first time this season.
Good Lourdes, that was fast 😳💣
One pitch later, Gurriel ties it!
(via @BALLYSPORTSAZ) pic.twitter.com/SywrH82z4L
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 7, 2023
This homerun was followed by a single and three walks, one of which pushed the winning run across the plate.
Walk-Off Walk for Pavin Smith! #Dbacks
(Via @TalkinBaseball_) pic.twitter.com/xth3ZDPXs7
— MLB 162 (@MLB_162) May 7, 2023
The walk-off victory puts the Diamondbacks five games above .500, which is a new season high.
They will be back in action with hopes of a series sweep tomorrow at 1:10 PM.
