In a much-needed turn of events, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo was all smiles after the game, exclaiming, “It sure is good to have him back.” This sentiment was shared by many as Zac Gallen, sidelined for a month due to a hamstring strain, returned to the mound and delivered a masterful performance. Gallen’s six scoreless innings were pivotal in the Diamondbacks’ 3-0 triumph over the Oakland Athletics, effectively halting their three-game losing streak.
Gallen’s dominance was evident as he unleashed fastballs clocking in at 97 mph for the first time in his career. His repertoire of pitches, including a knuckle-curveball and changeup, left the A’s hitters flailing, accumulating eight whiffs and seven strikeouts. The Athletics managed just one hit off Gallen, a soft flare just out of reach of second baseman Blaze Alexander. With a pitch count set around 85, Gallen efficiently completed six innings with 77 pitches, a remarkable feat given the team’s recent struggles.
**Steadying the Ship**
In a season where reliable starting pitching has been hard to come by, Gallen’s return couldn’t have been more timely. The Diamondbacks have had only five instances this year where a pitcher went six scoreless innings, and Gallen accounts for four of those. His ability to seamlessly blend his fastball, changeup, slider, and curveball showcased his versatility and preparedness, something he attributes to meticulous behind-the-scenes work during his recovery.
Gallen highlighted the importance of staying mentally sharp during his rehab, likening his mindset to preparing for Opening Day. He reflected on past experiences, noting how he wasn’t fully mentally engaged when he returned from injury in 2021. Determined to change that, he maintained a rigorous routine, treating each rehab day with the same intensity as a regular season start.
**Gallen’s Impact Beyond the Mound**
Manager Torey Lovullo praised Gallen’s commitment and readiness, noting that their discussions during rehab were positive and insightful. Gallen’s meticulous preparation paid off, as he left the game with a solid 3-0 lead. Relievers Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald efficiently closed out the game, securing the much-needed victory.
The Diamondbacks’ bullpen, which had been heavily taxed in recent games, benefitted immensely from Gallen’s efficient outing. His return alleviated some of the pressure on the pitching staff, which had been struggling with injuries to key starters like Eduardo Rodriguez and Merrill Kelly. Gallen expressed a sense of responsibility, feeling that his injury had added undue pressure on his teammates. His determination to return quickly and perform effectively underscored his leadership and dedication to the team.
**Offensive Highlights and Missed Opportunities**
Offensively, the Diamondbacks had a productive day with 12 hits and four walks. Ketel Marte, on his bat flip bobblehead day, went 3-for-4 with a walk and an RBI, continuing his hot streak. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. also contributed with two hits, including an RBI double, maintaining his recent hitting surge.
However, despite these offensive efforts, the team struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving several runners stranded. An early contentious moment occurred when a potential double by Christian Walker was initially called foul but later overturned. Despite the favorable ruling, the Diamondbacks were unable to drive in additional runs from the situation, highlighting an ongoing challenge in converting hits into runs.
**Looking Ahead**
As the Diamondbacks prepare for the series finale against the Athletics, they hope to build on Gallen’s momentum. Brandon Pfaadt is slated to start, aiming to secure a series win before the team heads on the road to face tough opponents in the Dodgers and Padres.
In summary, Zac Gallen’s return was a significant boost for the Diamondbacks, providing a much-needed victory and setting a positive tone for the team moving forward. His performance not only showcased his talent but also underscored the importance of resilience and preparation in overcoming challenges.
