Merrill Kelly Flares Up with 11 Strikeouts as Diamondbacks Secure 1-0 Victory Over Rockies

The Arizona Diamondbacks secured a 1-0 victory against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, concluding their weekend series with two wins out of three games.

Merrill Kelly delivered a standout performance, striking out 11 batters while allowing just one hit over seven innings. Ketel Marte’s home run in the first inning marked his sixth of the season and proved critical to the D-backs’ success.

This win prevented the Rockies from claiming their first series victory of the season, dropping their record to an alarming 8-38. This represents the worst start for any team through 46 games since 1901.

In a tense ninth inning, the Rockies aimed to rally. Kyle Farmer’s single and Hunter Goodman’s double put them in a promising position. However, Ryan McMahon was intentionally walked, and Shelby Miller induced a popup from Brenton Doyle. Michael Toglia’s lineout sealed the game for the D-backs.

Kelly’s dominance on the mound continued; he did not permit a hit until the sixth inning, when Jordan Beck’s groundball became a double. The veteran pitcher has allowed just one earned run or none in five of his last seven outings.

Chase Dollander, the Rockies’ rookie right-hander, struggled through 4 2/3 innings, giving up three hits and two walks, with six strikeouts to his credit.

The D-backs will look to maintain their momentum as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Brandon Pfaadt (6-3, 3.73 ERA) will take the mound for Arizona, while the Rockies will send Kyle Freeland (0-6, 6.15 ERA) to face the Philadelphia Phillies.

Phoenix continues to be a vibrant sports hub with four major professional teams, including the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Major sporting events, like the WM Phoenix Open and Cactus League Spring Training, further enrich the city’s athletic landscape.