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D-backs Rally After Brutal Blown Lead
16 Apr
Summary
- Arizona won their third straight series despite a game one blown lead.
- Merrill Kelly returned from IL with a solid outing in his first start.
- Ildemaro Vargas continues impressive hitting streak in early 2026.
The Arizona Diamondbacks concluded a challenging road trip with their third consecutive series victory, despite an initial heartbreaking loss to the Baltimore Orioles. In the first game, the team saw a substantial 7-1 lead vanish, resulting in a defeat that could have derailed their momentum. However, the D-backs showcased remarkable resilience, bouncing back with a 4-3 win in game two and clinching the series with an extra-inning victory in game three.
Merrill Kelly's return to the mound from the injured list provided a stabilizing presence for Arizona. Despite some command issues, Kelly delivered a quality start, allowing two runs over 5.1 innings and positioning himself for a win. Meanwhile, Ildemaro Vargas continues to defy expectations as one of baseball's top hitters in early 2026. He posted strong numbers in the series, including a crucial three-run homer in game two, and maintains impressive season statistics with a high expected batting average.
The bullpen's performance showed a marked improvement after a difficult game one. While the relief corps struggled significantly in the series opener, they delivered strong performances in games two and three, converting save opportunities. This demonstrated a growing reliability from the pitching staff, despite past struggles and ongoing questions about consistency.
