Late-Inning Heroics Put Diamondbacks Past Reds

Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks scoring after hitting a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning against the Reds.

Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

August 25, 2023

Diamondbacks 3, Reds 2

PHOENIX, August 24 — Arizona Diamondbacks get late inning heroics in in a 3-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds Thursday night. It was their fifth win in a row and eighth of their last ten. Merrill Kelly and Brandon Williamson were locked in a pitcher’s duel, but a two-run home run from Rookie of the Year candidate Corbin Carroll gave Arizona the win.

Both Pitchers in Command

Both pitchers were in command through the first four innings. Kelly had given up one hit, while Williamson had given up four hits. With the help from double plays and a combined 11 strikeouts from both starters, the game was 0-0 through six innings.

Diamondbacks did Threaten

In the bottom of the fourth, Carroll singled on a sharp line drive to left field. After Nick Ahmed lined out, Gabriel Moreno singled on a ground ball to right, moving Carroll to third. Ketel Marte hit a grounder to third baseman Noelvi Marte, who threw to catcher Tyler Stephenson to tag Carroll out at home. Buddy Kennedy lined out to first base to end the inning.

Diamondbacks get a Run

In the bottom of the seventh, with the score 0-0, the Reds made a pitching change, with Buck Farmer replacing Williamson. Ahmed walked before Moreno singled on a line drive that was deflected by Farmer, moving Ahmed to second. Marte singled on a sharp line drive to right, loading the bases.

Pinch-hitter Jace Peterson replaced Kennedy and singled on a fly ball to deep right field, scoring Ahmed. In a strange turn of events, Moreno was out at home on a baserunning mixup. Peterson and Marte were both on second. As Peterson was running back to first, Moreno tried to score but was tagged out. To end the inning, both Tommy Pham and Christian Walker had fly outs to right field. Diamondbacks 1, Reds 0.

Top of Eight

Kyle Nelson came on to replace the injured (cramps) Kelly and gave up a solo home run to the first batter he faced in Nick Senzel. After Noelvi Marte walked, Will Benson struck out for the second out. In came Miguel Castro to replace Nelson. Marte then stole second base. A line-drive Stephenson single to center scored Marte, giving the Reds their first lead. The Diamondbacks got out of the inning on a force out. Reds 2, Diamondbacks 1.

Corbin Carroll

In the bottom of the eighth, former Diamondback Alex Young replaced Farmer. He walked Lourdes Gurriel Jr and retired Evan Longoria on a fly to shallow center for the first out.

Up next was Carroll, who hit a two-run home run. His 22nd of the year was his first since homering against these Reds in Cincinnati on July 23. It was on a line drive to right field, with Gurriel Jr. scoring ahead of him. Ahmed grounded out followed by Gabriel Moreno popping out to end the inning. Diamondbacks 3, Reds 2.

Paul Sewald

Paul Sewald came on to pitch the top of the ninth looking for save number seven as a Diamondback. He struck out Elly De La Cruz but walked Spencer Steer. He then got Senzel to pop up for out number two. With a crowd of 18,827 standing and cheering, Christian Encarnacion-Strand was called out on strikes to end the game. Diamondbacks 3, Reds 2.

Torey Lovullo Speaks

Lovullo spoke after the game and said Kelly’s injury is merely cramps. Kelly will be ready in five days. He mentioned when they had the mound visit with Miguel Castro, Evan Longoria said we are going to win this game, do not worry.

Diamondbacks Notes

The Diamondbacks have 33 comeback wins this season, which is the fourth most in the NL. … Paul Sewald is 7-for-7 in save opportunities since August 12. … Tommy Pham has now hit in 14 straight games, currently the longest streak in baseball. … Merrill Kelly tied a career-high with 12 strikeouts, and 10 of those were swing-and-miss.

Reds Notes

The Reds are 29-13 over their last seven road trips. … Henry Ramos was designated for assignment when Nick Martini was called up on Tuesday. … Joey Votto was placed on the 10-day IL with shoulder discomfort.

Looking Ahead

Friday will have Brandon Pfaadt (0-6, 6.13 ERA) on the mound for the Diamondbacks. He is looking for his first MLB win. The Reds will have Brett Kennedy (1-0, 3.00 ERA). Game time is 6:40.

Saturday is Corbin Carroll bobblehead giveaway to the first 15k fans. Arizona will have Zac Davies back. He 1-6 with a 7.38 ERA and will go up against Hunter Greene (2-5, 4.72 ERA). Game time is 5:10. Sunday is Slade Cecconi for Arizona (0-0, 2.93 ERA), while Cincinnati will send Graham Ashcraft (7-8, 4.84 ERA). Game time is 1:10 pm. All times are Arizona Time.