Diamondbacks Maintain Perfect June, Topple Braves 8-3

ATLANTA — The Arizona Diamondbacks surged past the Atlanta Braves with an 8-3 victory on Tuesday night, ending a five-game road losing streak. Key players Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll each made significant contributions, homering twice.

Zac Gallen turned in a strong performance on the mound, allowing just one earned run in seven innings. He struck out four and notably retired the first ten batters he faced. Gallen’s outing marked a welcome improvement following a stretch of games with an 8.02 ERA.

Marte excelled at the plate, going 3 for 3 with three RBIs and two walks. Carroll mirrored Marte’s success, finishing 3 for 4 with four RBIs and three runs scored. His second homer, a three-run shot in the ninth inning, solidified the D-backs’ lead. Carroll’s total now stands at 18 home runs for the season.

Braves pitcher Spencer Strider struggled, surrendering three home runs over five innings, resulting in a season ERA increase to 5.68. Marte’s first home run traveled an impressive 445 feet into the right field seats in the first inning.

On the defensive side, Braves rookie catcher Drake Baldwin showcased his skills with a home run and two crucial outs in the seventh inning, catching Carroll stealing and picking off Marte at first. Baldwin had recently earned recognition as the NL’s Rookie of the Month in May.

Despite the defeat, the Braves remain competitive, having lost nine of their last twelve games. In a pivotal moment during the eighth inning, Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas made a spectacular running catch, denying Marcell Ozuna a potential game-tying hit.

Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly is set to face off against reigning NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale in the second game of this three-game series on Wednesday. Kelly enters the matchup with a 5-2 record and a 3.78 ERA.