Merrill Kelly's gem leads the Diamondbacks to a 5-1 win over the Angels on July 14, 2025. A four-run fourth inning sealed the deal for the D-backs.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
There's nothing quite like a stress-free Sunday win, and that's exactly what Merrill Kelly and the Diamondbacks delivered. In a crisp 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, the D-backs leaned on their veteran ace and a single, game-changing inning to remind everyone just how effective their brand of baseball can be.
The Diamondbacks scored four runs in the fourth inning, turning a tight game into a comfortable lead they would never relinquish.
The story of the day was undoubtedly Merrill Kelly. Earning his 8th win of the season, the right-hander was in complete control from the first pitch. He sliced through the Angels' lineup, surrendering just one run on a meager three hits. It was a masterclass in efficiency and poise, giving the bullpen a relatively easy day and setting the tone for the entire ballgame. When your starter is that locked in, it just breeds confidence throughout the dugout.
While Kelly was dealing, the offense was waiting for its moment to strike, and it came in the bottom of the fourth. The Diamondbacks bats came alive, stringing together hits and aggressive baserunning to hang a four-spot on the Angels. The rally was a perfect example of this team's potential, featuring a balanced attack rather than relying on one big home run. With seven total hits on the day and another run tacked on in the fifth for good measure, it was a timely and effective offensive outburst.
The win pushes the D-backs' record to 47-50. While they remain in 4th place in a tough NL West, wins like this are crucial for morale and momentum. Playing clean, fundamental baseball—highlighted by zero errors in the field—is the formula for success. They didn't beat themselves, and they capitalized when they had the chance. It's a blueprint they'll need to replicate consistently as they head into the next series.
As the team enjoys a well-deserved day off, this 5-1 victory serves as a perfect confidence booster. The challenge now is to stack these kinds of complete performances together. With a crucial stretch of games on the horizon, the Diamondbacks need to build on the momentum from Sunday's win and start their climb back toward the .500 mark. If Kelly can keep dealing and the offense can provide more of that fourth-inning magic, this team can still make some noise.
