Josh Bell hit two home runs and drove in three runs, Eduardo Rodriguez pitched 5 2/3 innings for his season debut win, and the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Cleveland Guardians 5-3 to sweep their doubleheader on Wednesday.
In the first game, Arizona had two-run home runs from Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, and Corbin Carroll in a 7-3 win. With these victories, the Diamondbacks won their seventh consecutive series and moved into the top National League wild-card spot.
“Where do I start? There were so many guys who came through for us,” said Arizona manager Torey Lovullo. “I was especially happy for Eduardo because it’s been a long runway for him. He likes pitching here, which is why we targeted this series.”
Rodriguez, who joined the Diamondbacks with a four-year contract in December, had been out with a left shoulder strain. He gave up three runs and has a 7-0 record with a 2.51 ERA in nine career starts against Cleveland.
Justin Martinez loaded the bases in the ninth but struck out Lane Thomas to finish the game, earning his second career save. The Diamondbacks have a 24-9 record since June 29.
“I feel great, everything went very well,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve missed 70% of the season, but the fun part is being able to come right in and help the team win important games.”
Catcher Adrian Del Castillo made his major league debut with a run-scoring double in his first at-bat, and Randal Grichuk hit a solo homer for Arizona.
“Honestly, I blacked out when I got to second base,” Del Castillo said. “It was everything I’ve dreamed of.”
The Guardians extended their longest losing streak of the season to five games but still led the American League Central by 3 1/2 games over Minnesota. Their 35-20 home record is the best in baseball.
José Ramírez and David Fry both hit home runs for Cleveland, with Ramírez reaching his 30th. Carlos Carrasco (3-10) allowed four runs and both of Bell’s home runs in 4 1/3 innings. “He’s hot, but those two pitches that I threw to him, he just went and got it,” Carrasco said.
In the first game, Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt (6-6) retired the first 12 batters and pitched 6 1/3 innings allowing two runs. Ben Lively (10-7) gave up four runs in five innings, including home runs to Perdomo and Carroll.
