Ryne Nelson flirts with perfection as the D-backs rout the Royals 7-1 on July 6. Corbin Carroll returns to the lineup in a much-needed win for Arizona.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when the vibes were starting to dip, the Diamondbacks delivered the kind of complete, energizing performance fans have been craving. On Saturday, Arizona didn't just beat the Kansas City Royals; they dismantled them 7-1, snapping a three-game losing streak in spectacular fashion. The win was powered by a masterful outing from Ryne Nelson and, perhaps more importantly, marked the official return of Corbin Carroll to the lineup.
Ryne Nelson retired the first 16 batters he faced, taking a perfect game bid into the sixth inning and setting the tone for a dominant night.
The story of the night was Ryne Nelson. The right-hander was simply untouchable for most of the game, retiring the first 16 Royals he faced. The perfect game bid was broken up in the sixth, but his final line was a thing of beauty: seven innings, one run, four hits, and, crucially, zero walks to go with five strikeouts. It was the kind of commanding start the D-backs desperately needed to stop the bleeding and reset the tone for this homestand.
The box score might show an 0-for-5 night for Corbin Carroll, but his impact was felt the moment his name was written on the lineup card. Activated from the injured list after nursing a chip fracture in his wrist since June 18, the reigning Rookie of the Year's return is a massive boost for Arizona's offense and clubhouse morale. While he'll need a few games to shake off the rust, just having his dynamic presence back changes the entire complexion of this team. To make room, the versatile Tim Tawa was optioned to Triple-A Reno.
Nelson got plenty of support. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had a monster night at the plate, driving in four runs with a key double and a triple. But the most bizarre and exciting moment came from Randal Grichuk, who legged out a thrilling inside-the-park home run, sending the Chase Field crowd into a frenzy. It was a well-rounded attack that showed what this lineup is capable of when it's clicking.
Off the field, the good news continues as Ketel Marte was officially named a finalist for the starting second baseman spot in the NL All-Star Game. Fan voting is now open to send him to the midsummer classic. The team has also been active on the transaction wire, signing veterans Seth Brown, Jake Woodford, and others to minor league deals while designating lefty Kyle Nelson for assignment, constantly looking for ways to improve roster depth.
With the losing streak firmly in the rearview mirror and their superstar back in the fold, the D-backs (now 43-44) have a chance to win the series and get back to .500 on Sunday. Anthony DeSclafani gets the ball against Michael Lorenzen in the rubber match. Was Saturday's dominant performance a one-off, or is it the start of a second-half surge? The energy is back, and now it's time to build on it.
