Eflin’s Stellar Six Innings Propel Orioles to 5-1 Victory Over Diamondbacks

In a tough outing for Zac Gallen, the Arizona Diamondbacks fell to the Baltimore Orioles 5-1 on Monday night. Gallen allowed all five runs in 4 2/3 innings, showcasing a stark contrast to his previous 13-strikeout performance against the New York Yankees.

Zach Eflin led the way for the Orioles, pitching six strong innings, allowing just one run, four hits, and striking out one. The highlight for the Orioles came in the fifth, when Ryan Mountcastle delivered a pivotal two-run single, increasing the lead to 5-1.

Ryan O’Hearn also contributed with a solo home run in the first inning, turning Gallen’s knuckle curve into a shot over the right-field fence. The Orioles extended their lead in the third inning when Gunnar Henderson reached base on a leadoff double and later scored from Adley Rutschman’s single.

Mountcastle’s significant hit capped a frustrating night for the Diamondbacks. Arizona managed to score once in the fourth inning, courtesy of a sacrifice fly by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. However, the recent struggles continued, marking their third consecutive loss.

A key moment occurred in the fifth inning when rookie second baseman Tim Tawa mishandled a potential double-play ball off Cedric Mullins, resulting in only one out and paving the way for Mountcastle’s critical hit. D-backs outfielder Jake McCarthy remained hitless in three at-bats, extending his season struggles to 0-for-22.

Looking ahead, the series continues on Tuesday night as the Diamondbacks will send right-handed pitcher Merrill Kelly (1-1, 10.00 ERA) to the mound against the Orioles’ veteran Charlie Morton (0-2, 9.72 ERA).