Zac Gallen hits 1,000 strikeouts, but the D-backs' win streak ends in a 6-3 loss to the Astros on July 23. See how Gallen's milestone and a Suarez HR weren't enough.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of conflicting emotions at Chase Field. While the D-backs saw their four-game winning streak come to a halt with a 6-3 loss to the Houston Astros, the game was also marked by significant personal achievements. Ace Zac Gallen etched his name in the record books and Eugenio Suarez continued his torrid home run pace, but a slew of missed opportunities with runners on base ultimately sealed Arizona's fate.
Zac Gallen becomes just the second pitcher from the 2019 debut class to reach 1,000 career strikeouts, joining Dylan Cease.
All eyes were on Zac Gallen, and he delivered a milestone moment by fanning his 1,000th career batter. It's a testament to his sustained excellence, placing him in rare company with fellow 2019 debutant Dylan Cease. However, the celebration was muted by his final line. The Astros tagged Gallen for six runs over six innings, a tough pill to swallow for the team's ace. He's now surrendered a career-high 23 home runs this season, a trend the D-backs need him to reverse as they push through the second half.
One consistent bright spot has been the thunder in Eugenio Suarez's bat. He launched his National League-leading 36th home run, providing an early spark and reminding everyone of the potent power in this lineup. Even in a loss, Suarez's ability to change the game with one swing is a massive asset. He continues to be the engine of this offense, and his home run prowess is a major storyline to follow for the rest of the season.
Ultimately, this game was lost on the basepaths. The Diamondbacks left a staggering 11 runners on base, a frustrating theme for the afternoon. The biggest moment came in the sixth inning when they loaded the bases with a chance to blow the game open. Unfortunately, Ketel Marte, in his return to the lineup, flew out to end the threat. The tying run was at the plate in the ninth, but Josh Naylor's fly out was the final nail, a fitting end to a day of 'what ifs'.
On a positive note, it was great to see Ketel Marte back in the lineup. After dealing with the unsettling burglary of his home during the All-Star break, his presence provides a stabilizing force for the team. While he went hitless and couldn't deliver in a key spot, just having him back on the field is a win for the Diamondbacks. Fans will be hoping he can shake off the rust quickly and get back to being the dynamic player he is.
While snapping the winning streak stings, it's just one game in a long season. The individual milestones for Gallen and Suarez are worth celebrating, but the team knows it can't afford to leave that many runners stranded. With no major roster moves on the horizon, this is the group that will carry the D-backs forward. They'll need to flush this loss, regroup, and get back to the brand of baseball that saw them win four straight as they prepare for their next series.
