For a split second, it seemed as if Paul Sewald might falter in another save opportunity. With one out in the 9th inning and the Diamondbacks clinging to a slim 1-0 lead, Matt Olson struck a deep ball to left field.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, stepping up as the hero of the night, Jake McCarthy leapt and made an incredible catch to rob what looked like a home run, preserving the Diamondbacks’ lead.
JAKE MCCARTHY PREVENTS A TIE GAME pic.twitter.com/1m8vr31IWw
— MLB (@MLB) July 12, 2024
After the game, Sewald commented on McCarthy’s catch on the D-backs’ TV broadcast. Surprisingly, Sewald wasn’t overly concerned: “I didn’t think he got it at first. I really wasn’t worried about a homer. You know he has 50-homer power, and I maybe underestimated it. Not sure if that went out, maybe he didn’t rob it, but I will give him credit… I gave him a little extra hug.”
In the 9th inning, Sewald faced the heart of Atlanta’s deadly offense, including Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Marcell Ozuna. Although Ozuna extended the game with a two-out base hit, Sewald managed to get Adam Duvall to ground out to third base, ending the game.
Sewald praised Arizona’s defense, which has been stellar all season: “When you are in a rut, you just need something like that to get your confidence going. I am just thankful that the guys have my back every night.”
Over a six-game span, Sewald had blown three saves, including the Diamondbacks’ series opener against the Braves. Since that outing, he has pitched 2 shutout innings, picking up saves 12 and 13 on the season, helping the Diamondbacks secure a 2-2 series tie against Atlanta.
Manager Torey Lovullo highlighted the team’s resilience after Thursday’s win, saying, “I can’t say enough about this team’s grit and their ability to rebound… When you are down two, all you can do is salvage a split, and we did that.”
The Diamondbacks wrapped up a challenging stretch against powerhouse National League teams, including the Dodgers, Padres, and Braves, with a 6-4 record. They will now host the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series before the All-Star break. With the Padres losing three in a row, the Diamondbacks are only one game behind San Diego for the third and final National League Wild Card spot
