The Arizona Diamondbacks dominated the San Francisco Giants 7-1 in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader at Oracle Park, powered by a crucial pinch-hit grand slam and stellar pitching. Pitcher Merrill Kelly delivered an exceptional performance through seven innings, allowing just two hits while striking out seven batters and walking four to earn the victory.
The game remained scoreless until the seventh inning, when Giants reliever Ryan Walker took over for starter Matt Wilkinson. After two walks and a fielder’s choice loaded the bases, Lars Nootbaar delivered the decisive blow with a grand slam to right field on a 2-2 pitch, extending Arizona’s lead to 4-0. The home run marked Nootbaar’s sixth of the season, following his leadoff homer on the first pitch of Friday night’s 10-6 Diamondbacks victory.
San Francisco had limited scoring opportunities throughout the contest, with their best chance coming in the fourth inning when runners occupied the corners with one out. Kelly escaped the jam by inducing two grounders to end the threat. The Giants’ sole run came in the eighth inning off Taylor Clarke when Jung Hoo Lee’s single brought home Rafael Devers.
In a pregame incident, Giants coach Ron Wotus was ejected following the exchange of lineup cards. The Diamondbacks prepared to face San Francisco in the evening matchup of the doubleheader with left-hander Mitch Bratt slated to pitch.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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