Ryne Nelson’s Shocking RBI Single Fuels Diamondbacks’ Winning Rally

PHOENIX — Ryne Nelson etched his name into Major League Baseball history with a standout performance on Sunday, securing his first plate appearance, hit, and RBI in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ thrilling 10-6 comeback victory against the Chicago Cubs. Nelson’s journey from college shortstop at Oregon to MLB pitcher took a memorable turn when he delivered an RBI single during a pivotal eighth inning that saw the D-backs score eight runs.

During the game, with two runners on base, Nelson stepped up to the plate after all four position players had been used. His prior encouragement to manager Torey Lovullo about his hitting capabilities paid off. “I told him I was going to hit a missile somewhere,” Nelson recounted, humorously downplaying the significance of his play.

With runners on first and second and the score at 7-6, Nelson faced Cubs pitcher Eli Morgan. He made solid contact on a 91.4 mph fastball, driving it through the infield for a clean hit, leading to additional runs for his team. Following the play, he celebrated with a mock basketball jump shot at second base, earning cheers from his teammates in the dugout.

“Everyone was super happy for me,” Nelson expressed, capturing the joy of the moment. Despite this achievement, he knows that pitchers rarely get on base under the current rules that implemented a universal designated hitter across both leagues in 2022, making this event somewhat of an anomaly. “I’ll leave that to the guys who are really good at it,” he said, showing humility about his hitting capabilities.

Nelson’s performance stood as a highlight in the season, and he plans to keep the ball from his first hit safely in his locker as a cherished memento. “I’ll be ready if they need me, but hopefully it doesn’t happen too often,” he added, demonstrating his adaptability and focus on his primary role as a pitcher.

The Diamondbacks’ recent victory marks another chapter in the city’s sports history, which boasts four major professional teams and regularly hosts a variety of significant sporting events each year.