D-backs Dominate Cubs with a Shocking 3-0 Victory | 12news.com

Arizona moved three games over .500 for the first time this season, driven by Zac Gallen’s scoreless start and home runs from Corbin Carroll and Alek Thomas.

CHICAGO — Corbin Carroll’s two-run homer and Alek Thomas’ solo shot powered the Arizona Diamondbacks past the Chicago Cubs 3-0 on Saturday night, marking their sixth win in seven games.

Zac Gallen pitched five scoreless innings, allowing three hits and tying his career high with six walks. This effort lifted the defending National League champions over .500 for the first time this season.

Gallen’s pitches narrowly missed the strike zone, often low, as Cubs hitters resisted swinging at close pitches.

“I felt pretty sharp,” Gallen remarked. “Even with six walks, I had a feel for all five pitches.”

Kevin Ginkel, Justin Martinez, and Ryan Thompson each contributed a perfect inning. Paul Sewald secured his 15th save, despite a pinch-hit double by Miles Mastrobuoni in the ninth inning.

“Our bullpen has been unbelievable all year,” Gallen added. “I felt confident with a three-run lead heading into the sixth inning.”

Thomas, a Chicago native, homered for the third time in his 16-game career against the Cubs. Carroll, struggling this season after earning the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year title, homered for the third time in four games.

“For A.T., it’s great to homer at home,” said Arizona manager Torrey Lovullo. “Corbin swung well against a tough pitcher.”

Kyle Hendricks (2-8) gave up three runs and two hits, walking three in five innings for the Cubs.

Miguel Amaya had two hits for Chicago, including an infield single that lined off Gallen’s right foot. Gallen (7-5) continued to pitch despite the hit, totaling 102 pitches in his fifth start after a month-long absence due to a right hamstring strain.

Gallen had previously issued six walks only once, as a rookie in 2019 against Colorado.

Carroll’s sixth homer of the season marked a decline from his 25 homers last year, coupled with a drop in batting average from .285 to .211.

Thomas launched a high sinker to the right basket in the fifth, putting Arizona ahead 1-0. Carroll followed with a 418-foot center-cut changeup, driving home two more runs.

The Cubs loaded the bases with a double and two walks in the bottom of the fifth, but Gallen escaped when Michael Tauchman grounded out.

“We did a decent job,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said, “but we needed that next hit and didn’t get it.”

CUBS DRAFTEE SIGNINGS

The Cubs signed their 2024 first-round draft pick, INF Cam Smith, and nine other selections, including second-rounder INF Cole Mathis and third-rounder INF Ronny Cruz. Smith, selected 14th overall from Florida State, batted .387 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs last season.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Diamondbacks: LHP Jordan Montgomery, on the 15-day IL since June 29 (right knee inflammation), threw a bullpen session Saturday and reported feeling good. Montgomery holds a 6-5 record with a 6.44 ERA over 13 starts.

Cubs: RHP Hayden Wesneski was placed on the 15-day IL (right forearm strain) and RHP Hunter Bigge was recalled from Triple-A Iowa. Manager Craig Counsell expressed hope Wesneski could resume throwing within a week. LHP Luke Little, out since July 13 (left lat strain), may need to be shutdown for the season to recover without surgery. The reliever is 3-1 with a 3.46 ERA over 26 innings in 30 games.

UP NEXT

Arizona’s Brandon Pfaadt (4-6, 3.97 ERA) faces Chicago’s Shota Imanaga (8-2, 2.97 ERA) in the series finale on Sunday.

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