Merrill Kelly's dominant start and a 4-run inning helped the D-backs beat the Angels 5-1 on July 13, 2025, avoiding a sweep before the All-Star break.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it felt like the Diamondbacks were going to stumble into the All-Star break, they found their footing. In a must-win game on Sunday in Anaheim, Arizona put together a complete performance, downing the Los Angeles Angels 5-1 to salvage the final game of the series and, more importantly, snap a funk just in time for a much-needed rest.
Over five crucial innings, Merrill Kelly allowed just one hit and one run while striking out six Angels.
Losing the first two games in Anaheim put the D-backs in a tough spot, staring down a sweep and a dismal 3-9 record over their last 12 games. But Sunday was a different story. The team broke the game open in the top of the fourth inning, hanging a four-spot on the Angels. The rally was a team effort, showcasing the kind of timely hitting that has been absent during their recent skid, sparked by a huge two-run double from Jose Herrera and an RBI double from Blaze Alexander.
The tone was set from the mound by the 'Bulldog,' Merrill Kelly. While he reportedly battled some control issues early on, he settled in to deliver exactly the kind of start the team needed. His final line was dominant: five innings, one hit, one run, and six strikeouts. Earning his eighth win of the season (moving to 8-5), Kelly was the stopper the team desperately needed, preventing the Angels from ever building any real momentum.
While the big names always get the attention, Sunday's victory was powered by the bottom of the order. Catcher Jose Herrera delivered the biggest blow with his clutch two-run double. Blaze Alexander chipped in with two hits, including an RBI double of his own. Eugenio Suarez added some insurance with an RBI double in the fifth, capping a day where production came from up and down the lineup. It was a refreshing sight and a formula for success they'll need to replicate in the second half.
And with that, the curtain falls on the first half of the 2025 season. The D-backs head into the All-Star break with a 5-1 win, a 4-8 record in their last 12 games, and a chance to hit the reset button. This victory doesn't erase the recent struggles, but it provides a positive note to end on and a reminder of what this team is capable of when pitching and timely hitting align. Here's to a restful break and a fiery start to the second half.
