Giants Fall as Gallen Fans 11, Smith Homers to End Diamondbacks' Skid

SF Giants

By Associated Press

Published 11 hours ago on

September 26, 2024

Zac Gallen struck out 11 in six innings, pinch hitter Pavin Smith hit a three-run homer as the Diamondbacks ended a three-game losing streak with an 8-2 win over the Giants on Wednesday night. (GV Wire Composite)

Gallen retires 12 straight batters, strikes out side in fifth inning to secure fifth consecutive win for Diamondbacks.
Pinch hitter Pavin Smith's three-run homer seals the victory, splashing into the pool in right-center field.
San Francisco has not named a starter for Friday's opener of a three-game series against St. Louis.

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PHOENIX — Zac Gallen struck out 11 in six innings, pinch hitter Pavin Smith hit a three-run homer and the Arizona Diamondbacks ended a three-game losing streak with an 8-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night.

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Diamondbacks Bounce Back After Tough Losses

Arizona needed a rebound after a losing streak that included a blown eight-run lead in a loss to Milwaukee and Tuesday’s lackluster 11-0 loss to the Giants.

The Diamondbacks responded behind a strong performance from their ace to tie the New York Mets in the National League wild card, a game ahead of Atlanta. The Braves and Mets had to postpone the final two games of their series until a Monday doubleheader due to Hurricane Helene.

“These matter big-time, I think we had to prove to ourselves to get back on track,” Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker said. “We had to find a little confidence, a little swagger.”

Gallen Dominates Giants’ Lineup

Gallen gave it to them.

The right-hander gave up a run-scoring double to Tyler Fitzgerald in the second inning, but shut the Giants down after that. Gallen (14-6) retired 12 straight starting in the second inning and struck out the side in the fifth.

“That’s probably the best I’ve felt in a while,” said Gallen, who allowed a run on two hits with two walks to win his fifth straight decision. “Everything seemed to work, for the most part, and executed a good game plan.”

Arizona’s Offense Comes Alive

Arizona’s offense also came back to life after Tuesday’s letdown, chasing Giants starter Mason Black (1-5) by the third inning. Gabriel Moreno had two RBIs and Smith put the game out of reach in the eighth by splashing a homer into the pool in right-center.

The Giants didn’t put up much of a fight a night after blowing the Diamondbacks out, striking out 17 times to end a 7-1 run against playoff contenders.

“We’ve got to put it in play a little bit more,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said.

Black earned first big league victory by tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings against Kansas City last Friday.

He wasn’t nearly as sharp against the Diamondbacks.

Fighting control issues, Black gave up run-scoring singles by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Moreno in the second inning, before Corbin Carroll added a sacrifice fly. Black walked three in the third inning, including Moreno with the bases loaded, to put Arizona up 4-1.

Black allowed four runs on five hits with five walks in 2 2/3 innings.

“Walks always kill,” Black said. “Mechanically, I just felt out of synch out there.”