PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 28: Gerardo Carrillo #68 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates in twelfth inning at PNC Park on July 28, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The Arizona Diamondbacks stunned the Pittsburgh Pirates in a thrilling 8-7 victory, with Gerardo Carrillo emerging as the unsung hero of the night.
The Diamondbacks' offense got off to a scorching start, recording 16 hits in 12 innings, with James McCann and Nolan Arenado leading the charge. However, they also set a franchise record for most outs with runners in scoring position.
The team's struggles with runners in scoring position (RISP) have been a recurring issue throughout the season, and it seemed like history was about to repeat itself. But the Diamondbacks' offense came to a screeching halt in the 7th inning, allowing the Pirates to surge back into the game.
The Pirates' offense, which had been quiet for much of the game, suddenly came alive, scoring three runs in the 8th and three more in the 9th to tie the game. The Diamondbacks' bullpen, which had been a strength all season, faltered in the late innings, with Thompson and Sewald failing to hold a 3-run lead.
However, in a stunning turn of events, Gerardo Carrillo stepped up to the plate, delivering a 2-inning performance that allowed zero hits and zero runs while striking out three. His first career major league win was a testament to his determination and grit.
Brandon Pfaadt, who had been struggling earlier in the season, was dominant over 7 innings, allowing just 7 baserunners and striking out 4. His stuff was working, and he looked like the promising young frontline starting pitcher the Diamondbacks had been banking on.
The Dbacks will go for the series win tomorrow afternoon with Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound, in what will once again be the biggest game of the season thus far for the Dbacks. A win would guarantee the Dbacks the season series win against the Pirates, as well as put them 2 GB of the final wild card position.
Source: Yahoo Sports