Bu Johanna-Rosalye Luna
PHOENIX, AZ – The Arizona Diamondbacks extended their winning streak to four games by securing a series win against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night.
Prior to the game, the Diamondbacks held a special ceremony to induct their inaugural Hall of Fame members. D-backs legends and World Series champions Luis Gonzalez and Randy Johnson were honored as the first inductees into the Arizona Diamondbacks Hall of Fame. After the ceremony, Gonzalez and Johnson’s sons joined their fathers on the field to catch the ceremonial first pitch.
In addition, the Diamondbacks agreed to terms with their 2024 first-round draft pick, Slade Caldwell, before Saturday’s game. Caldwell participated in batting practice with major league players at Chase Field and signed autographs for fans. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo had a private meeting with the 18-year-old outfielder, offering advice as he begins his professional career. The Diamondbacks have signed a diverse class of 2024 draft picks, totaling eighteen signees.
Arizona went into the Pittsburgh series with three straight series wins, winning 13 of their last 15 series since May 30th. On Friday, the D-backs answered backs for a 3-run comeback win matching their comeback win of the season (July 3 vs. Dodger and April 16 vs. Cubs). Meanwhile, Pittsburgh initiated a six-game stretch for a two-city roadtrip Friday night at Chase Field. Prior to entering the series, the Pirates were 8-8 in series wins and loss against National League opponents.
To lead off the game Pittsburgh was first to get on the board with a solo home run by shortstop Oneil Cruz. Arizona responded quickly in the bottom of the first inning, scoring two runs with the help of Christian Walker and Ketel Marte. An inning later, Corbin Carroll hit a solo home run to right-center field, giving Arizona a 3-1 lead. The D-backs’ bats stayed hot in the second inning as Ketel Marte slammed a two-run home run, bringing home Perdomo and extending the lead to 4-1.
As the game approached the halfway mark, the Pirates closed in on the D-backs’ lead with a double by Joey Bart, pushing Joshua Palacios home and cutting the lead to 4-2. The Pirates tied the game at 4-4 later in the inning with contributions from Ji Hwan Bae and Michael Taylor in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Pittsburgh attempted to flip the script at the top of the sixth inning, starting with a triple by Cruz. A groundout to first base allowed Cruz to score, narrowing the D-backs’ lead to 5-4.
When it was Arizona’s turn at the plate, they responded with a strong “not in our house” approach that secured the series win against Pittsburgh. Loud and hot bats from Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Joc Pederson, and Jake McCarthy extended the lead, allowing the D-backs to cruise to the final out for their fourth consecutive win.
Diamondbacks fans gave their home team a well-deserved standing ovation with celebratory applause and cheers at the conclusion of the game. Enthusiasm and excitement remained high throughout a game that promised to be a battle from the first pitch.
D-backs RHP A.J. Puk, acquired from the Marlins on Thursday, reported to the team on Saturday and made his D-backs debut. Puk pitched one inning, delivering a strikeout to his first batter and maintaining a scoreless inning.
Ace Brandon Pfaadt added a win to his résumé with 6 innings pitched, 7 hits, 5 runs, 4 strikeouts, 78 pitches, and 56 strikes.
Arizona will aim for a series sweep against Pittsburgh, tomorrow, Sunday, July 28th, at Chase Field. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. local time.
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