Naylor’s Game-Changing Double Propels Diamondbacks Over Braves

Josh Naylor’s two-run double propelled the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 6-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, ending their four-game losing streak.

In a standout performance, Naylor contributed three hits, while Brandon Pfaadt delivered six solid innings on the mound. Naylor’s critical double off Aaron Bummer fell between left fielder Alex Verdugo and center fielder Michael Harris II due to a miscommunication, extending the Diamondbacks’ lead to 6-3.

Despite a ninth-inning threat from Atlanta, where Marcell Ozuna’s RBI double narrowed the score to 6-4, closer Justin Martinez managed to secure the win by retiring Ozzie Albies.

The Diamondbacks entered the seventh inning with a 4-1 lead, but Atlanta responded with consecutive RBI singles from Nick Allen and Verdugo, trimming the margin to just one run. Shelby Miller successfully navigated the crisis, striking out Austin Riley and Ozuna before sealing the inning with a popup from Albies.

Verdugo finished with an impressive four hits and two RBIs. Geraldo Perdomo’s solo home run earlier in the fifth inning had bolstered Arizona’s lead, while Corbin Carroll made headlines by hitting two triples, marking a career first.

Pfaadt improved his record to 5-1, allowing three runs (two earned) and striking out six batters. Meanwhile, Braves starter Spencer Schwellenbach fell to 1-2, surrendering four runs (three earned) across six innings.

A pivotal moment came when Miller’s effective pitching in the seventh maintained Arizona’s advantage, preventing a Braves rally.

In a noteworthy stat, Carroll clocked in at 10.87 and 11.02 seconds from home to third on his two triples, marking the two fastest times for triples in Major League Baseball this season.

Looking ahead, the Braves will send right-hander Bryce Elder (0-1, 5.57 ERA) to the mound against Colorado on Monday. The Diamondbacks will have left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (1-2, 4.40 ERA) pitching against the Mets in New York on Tuesday.