Corbin Carroll hit a two-run homer and Alek Thomas added a solo shot during Arizona’s three-run fifth inning, helping the Diamondbacks secure a 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night. It was their sixth victory in seven games.
Zac Gallen pitched five scoreless innings, allowing three hits but issuing six walks, which tied his career high. Despite the walks, Gallen felt confident in his pitch repertoire, emphasizing that Cubs batters were disciplined in their approach.
“I had a good command of all my pitches, despite the walks,” Gallen said. “The Cubs weren’t swinging at pitches outside the zone, so I had to work hard to battle back.”
The Diamondbacks bullpen—Kevin Ginkel, Justin Martinez, Ryan Thompson, and Paul Sewald—combined for four perfect innings to preserve the shutout and secure the win.
“Our bullpen has been outstanding all season,” Gallen added. “With a three-run lead going into the sixth inning, I trust those guys to finish the job.”
Thomas, playing against his hometown team, hit his third career home run against the Cubs in just 16 games. Meanwhile, Carroll, who has faced challenges this season despite being the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year, connected for his third home run in the last four games off Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks.
“For Alek, hitting a home run in front of his family and hometown crowd is special,” said Arizona manager Torrey Lovullo. “Corbin also showed great skill by hitting a home run against a pitcher who has traditionally been tough on us.”
Hendricks, despite allowing only two hits, struggled with command, issuing three walks over five innings in the loss.
