Ryne Nelson sets record with efficient start in Diamondbacks’ win

Jun 20, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ryne Nelson delivered his second consecutive quality start, leading the Diamondbacks to a series win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday. He pitched seven innings, allowing just two earned runs.

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What made this start even more impressive was that Nelson needed only 70 pitches to complete seven innings. This set a Diamondbacks franchise record for the lowest pitch count for a starter going seven innings or more, according to Jesse Friedman at PHNX Sports.

Ryne Nelson needed just 70 pitches to get through seven innings today.

That is the lowest pitch count in Diamondbacks history for a starter that went seven or more innings.

— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) June 20, 2024

Nelson achieved this by walking no batters and allowing both of his earned runs on solo homers. The 26-year-old set the pace early with a quick 1-2-3 inning, needing just seven pitches to retire Lane Thomas, Jesse Winker, and Eddie Rosario.

Here’s his pitch count by inning:

2nd inning – 13 pitches

3rd inning – 14 pitches

4th inning – 11 pitches

5th inning – 8 pitches

6th inning – 1o pitches

7th inning – 7 pitches

The Nationals swung at the first pitch they saw from Nelson on four different occasions. They managed only one hit that wasn’t a home run—a Joey Meneses single to left field in the 2nd inning. Besides that, Nelson worked four 1-2-3 innings.

After Nelson’s seven innings of work, the Diamondbacks bullpen maintained the pace. Ryan Thompson needed just nine pitches to get through the 8th inning, and Paul Sewald needed only six pitches to close out the 9th.

Of the 17 pitches thrown by the Diamondbacks‘ bullpen, 13 were strikes, and three of the seven at-bats lasted just one pitch. Overall, the Diamondbacks required only 87 pitches to secure a 5-2 win over the Nationals, marking their lowest pitch count in a game all year.

Pitching coach Brent Strom will likely be smiling on the entire flight to Philadelphia as the Diamondbacks prepare to take on the Phillies for the first time since the NLCS this Friday.