ANAHEIM – The Arizona Diamondbacks will look to even their series against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night after falling on a walk-off hit in Friday’s opener.
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Jul 11, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe (14) slides into second base to beat a throw to Arizona D-Backs shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) in the fifth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
With the All-Star break looming and the National League playoff picture tightening, the Diamondbacks are feeling the urgency. Every game now carries added weight as they try to stay within striking distance of a wild-card spot.
Pitching matchups on Saturday night:
Zac Gallen is coming into Saturday’s matchup with a 7-9 record and 5.15 ERA. He’s been lights-out lately, commanding both sides of the plate and keeping hitters guessing with a devastating curveball and elite fastball placement. In his last two outings, he has a combined 19 strikeouts and has only allowed one earned run over 13 innings pitched.
Jul 7, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona D-Backs starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) delivers during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
The Angels counter with lefty Yusei Kikuchi, who’s been serviceable at times for Los Angeles this season, though he has also been inconsistent. Kikuchi has a 3-6 record on the season, but performs well at Angel Stadium as his 3-1 record and 1.65 ERA suggest.
Zac Gallen takes the mound tonight.
Gallen has looked sharp last 2 starts only giving up 1 ER( 3 total runs) in 13 IP,
If he looks sharp again, I wonder if teams start calling about him.
— ???? Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) July 12, 2025
Offensively, the Diamondbacks’ lineup continues to evolve with a mix of speed, power, and discipline. Corbin Carroll, despite a few up-and-down stretches this season, remains one of the main sparkplugs. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Eugenio Suárez have been complementing this D-Backs lineup in more ways than one, the Snakes though cannot find that extra effort towards the end to close out tight matchups.
Jul 11, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Randal Grichuk (15) slides into home plate to beat a throw to Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe (14) as home plate umpire Jonathan Parra makes the call in the second inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This weekend is a chance for Arizona to keep climbing and prove that they belong in the playoff picture. If Gallen does what he’s done recently, and the bats do just enough, the D-Backs should come away with a win on Saturday night at Angel Stadium.
Randal Grichuk’s multi-home run game not enough for Diamondbacks to overcome walk-off loss
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
