D-backs beat Pirates 1-0 on July 26, 2025, in an 11-inning thriller. Ryne Nelson and the bullpen threw a combined one-hitter. See how they did it!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some games are about home run barrages, and others are about pure, unadulterated tension. Saturday night was the latter. For 11 nail-biting innings, the Diamondbacks and Pirates were locked in a scoreless stalemate, a throwback thriller defined by dominant pitching. In the end, it was a single sacrifice fly from a player who might not be here next week that sealed a dramatic 1-0 victory for Arizona, all backed by one of the most masterful combined pitching performances you'll ever see.
One hit. That's all the Pittsburgh Pirates could muster over 11 tense innings against three dominant Diamondbacks arms.
The story of this game was written on the mound. Ryne Nelson was simply brilliant, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a lone triple to Tommy Pham. That was it. That was the entire offensive output for Pittsburgh. Nelson departed after six stellar frames, handing the ball to a bullpen that refused to bend. Anthony DeSclafani was flawless, pitching four perfect innings of relief to carry the game into extras. Then, with the automatic runner on third in the 11th, Kevin Ginkel came in to slam the door, earning his third save and cementing the combined one-hitter. It was a masterclass in pitching and defense, punctuated by a crucial diving catch from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in the 11th to keep the game scoreless.
Every dramatic game needs a hero, and tonight's was Eugenio Suarez. With the trade deadline looming and his name swirling in rumors, Suarez stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 11th with the bases loaded and delivered the game-winner—a sacrifice fly that was just deep enough to score the decisive run. It was a poetic moment for the veteran third baseman. If this was one of his final acts as a Diamondback, it was a memorable one, delivering a victory in the most clutch way possible. The front office has some tough decisions to make in the coming days, and Suarez's performance certainly won't go unnoticed, either in Arizona or around the league.
While the on-field drama unfolded, a significant milestone was quietly reached. Second baseman Ketel Marte played in his 1,000th game for the Diamondbacks, a testament to his longevity and impact. He joins the ranks of franchise legends Luis Gonzalez and Paul Goldschmidt as the only players to reach that mark. While Marte went hitless, his veteran presence was felt as he worked three walks, showing the plate discipline that has made him a cornerstone of this team for years. It was a fitting night for such an achievement—a hard-fought, team-first victory that Marte has been a part of so many times before.
What a night. This wasn't just another win; it was a statement. It was a showcase of dominant pitching, clutch hitting, and franchise loyalty all rolled into one. As we look ahead, the big question mark hangs over Eugenio Suarez and the fast-approaching trade deadline. Will the hero of Saturday's game be wearing a different uniform next week? Regardless, this victory, built on a near-perfect performance from the mound, gives the team a massive shot of adrenaline as they head into the final stretch of the season.
