The Diamondbacks stunned the Braves with a dominant sweep, capped by a historic comeback and ace-level pitching. If this was the turning point, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
In a stunning three-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves, the Arizona Diamondbacks may have found the spark they’ve been searching for all season. In the latest episode of Dbacks Dispatch, hosts Gabriel and Brandon break down what they call the most complete and potentially season-defining series the team has played in 2024, one full of dominant starting pitching, electric offense, clutch moments, and a historic comeback fans won’t soon forget.
After weeks of defensive lapses, bullpen collapses, and inconsistency, the D-backs not only beat one of the National League’s best teams, they did it with authority. And now, they’re back to .500, carrying momentum into a pivotal Wild Card race.
Game 1: Gallen Guts It Out
Zac Gallen took the mound in Game 1 and looked more like his old self, allowing just one earned run across seven innings. He showed poise after an early error from Ketel Marte put runners in scoring position, a moment that might have unraveled him earlier in the year.
Instead, Gallen locked in, tossed just 89 pitches, and showed command and confidence, two traits missing from many of his recent starts. The offense backed him up with timely hits, and Corbin Carroll delivered a late home run to seal the game 6–3.
Game 2: Kelly Dazzles, Martinez Hangs On
Merrill Kelly followed Gallen’s lead with perhaps his best outing of the year: seven innings, one hit, one walk, and eight strikeouts. Kelly was nearly perfect, and his mastery of pitch sequencing left Braves hitters guessing all night.
But the tension peaked in the ninth when closer Justin Martinez came in for a five-out save. After a dominant eighth, Martinez lost command in the ninth, hitting batters, walking in a run, and loading the bases.
While many questioned whether Lovullo should have pulled Martinez earlier, the hosts credited him for sticking with his high-octane closer, allowing him to build confidence in a high-stress moment.
Game 3: A Historic Comeback for the Ages
If Game 2 was dramatic, Game 3 was historic. The D-backs trailed 6–0 early and 10–4 going into the ninth inning, only to unleash a seven-run rally that stunned Atlanta and secured the sweep.
Shelby Miller shut the door in the bottom of the ninth for the save, and the D-backs walked away with their biggest win of the year, capping off a comeback that fans called “the most poetic revenge imaginable” after years of heartbreak at the hands of Atlanta.
Key Themes and Takeaways
Gallen and Kelly Stepping Up
With Corbin Burnes sidelined, Arizona’s playoff hopes hinge on Gallen and Kelly. Both delivered ace-level performances in this series, and the guys made it clear: if Gallen can string together consistent starts, the Wild Card is well within reach.
Closer Confidence in JMart
Justin Martinez showed both dominance and volatility in Game 2. But his strikeout stuff, and his self-belief, could make him one of the league’s most fearsome closers if used wisely.
The Bash Brothers Are Here
For the first time ever, Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte both homered twice in the same game as the #1 and #2 hitters. The top of the lineup combined for six hits, seven RBIs, and three walks in Game 1, and seemed to finally click in rhythm together.
Thompson Usage Raises Questions Again
Despite a lights-out bullpen overall, Ryan Thompson was once again brought into high-leverage spots, and once again faltered. Brandon and Gabe emphasized that Thompson is effective only in low-leverage situations and questioned Torey Lovullo’s decision-making.
Brandon Pfaadt Struggles Continue
The lone sore spot of the series: Brandon Pfaadt. He allowed six runs in three innings, with poor command and location. The team needs answers fast, especially with other starters injured or underperforming.
Final Thoughts: Turning Point or Mirage?
The sweep was impressive. The comeback was unforgettable. But Gabe and Brandon urge caution, this team still has flaws, particularly on defense and in back-end pitching. Still, with games looming against Wild Card contenders like the Reds, Padres, and Giants, the D-backs are in control of their destiny.
If this was the turning point, we’ll remember Game 3 as the moment it all started. The D-backs aren’t just surviving, they’re punching back.