The Diamondbacks snagged a hard-fought series win in San Francisco behind big bats and Merrill Kelly’s brilliance, but bullpen woes and rotation questions continue to cloud the team’s outlook.
After a tough stretch that included a high-emotion series split with the Dodgers, the Arizona Diamondbacks bounced back with a series win against the San Francisco Giants in The Bay. While the DBacks Dispatch hosts Gabriel and Brandon celebrated the victory, their latest episode makes it clear: this D-backs team still feels like it’s riding a razor’s edge.
Game 1: Carroll Crushes, Kelly Shines
The series opener was a showcase of two of Arizona’s best: Corbin Carroll and Merrill Kelly.
Carroll, rebounding from a quiet Dodgers series, powered the offense with two opposite-field home runs, showing off the strength and approach that made him an MVP candidate the second half of last year. His ability to barrel up pitches to all fields remains spectacular.
On the mound, Merrill Kelly was surgical. Seven innings, eight strikeouts, and just one earned run. Brandon and Gabe spent a good chunk of the episode reflecting on Kelly’s place in D-backs history. With his 57th career win, he’s now in elite company, sitting just behind Randy Johnson, Brandon Webb, and Curt Schilling in franchise wins. They argue he may be on the path to having his jersey retired, praising his consistency and leadership.
A controversial overturned triple, ruled a ground-rule double, nearly cost Arizona a run, but Kelly and the defense held firm. The game was sealed by a wild highlight-reel catch from Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who continues to contribute both at the plate and in the field, if not always gracefully.
Game 2: Pfaadt Stumbles, Lawler Debuts, Bullpen Burns It Down
The second game of the series was a step backward. The D-backs fell 10–6 in a performance that raised old concerns and introduced new ones.
Brandon Pfaadt had a rough outing, lasting just four innings while giving up four earned runs. Unlike previous strong starts, Pfaadt struggled with command, throwing non-competitive pitches and falling behind in counts. Brandon and Gabe believe this was more a case of a bad day than a sign of serious regression, though they noted his ongoing issues of finishing hitters with two outs.
This game also marked the 2025 MLB debut of top prospect Jordan Lawlar. The young shortstop went 0-for-3 with a walk and committed a throwing error, but showed flashes of potential and strong plate discipline. Gabe and Brandon urged fans to be patient, reminding listeners that Lawlar is still only 22 and adjusting to major league speed.
The most infuriating aspect of the game came, once again, from the bullpen. Joe Mantiply gave up multiple runs in relief, marking his sixth straight outing with at least one earned run allowed. Brandon and Gabe blasted both the pitcher and manager Torey Lovullo, questioning why Mantiply continues to be used in high-leverage spots. They labeled it a punt game, citing poor bullpen management and a missed opportunity to keep the game within reach.
Despite the frustration, they pointed to bright spots like Tim Tawa’s impressive work in center field, and noted that offensive contributions from players like Gurriel and Suárez continue to trend upward.
Game 3: Offensive Explosion and a Nerve-Racking Finish
The rubber match delivered the win, but not without drama.
Ketel Marte blasted two home runs, Eugenio Suárez and Corbin Carroll added one each, and the D-backs’ bats came alive. However, starter Eduardo Rodriguez continued to disappoint, lasting only four innings and giving up four earned runs.
The bullpen held, barely, with Ryne Nelson providing three innings of relief and Shelby Miller inducing full-body anxiety with a tense ninth inning. The D-backs held on, sealing the series win.
Key Storylines
Corbin Carroll’s Comeback
After slumping, Carroll’s power surge was a welcome sight. He now sits tied with Aaron Judge for the major league lead in home runs, a shocking stat for someone known more for speed and contact.
Lawlar’s Adjustment Period
Lawlar’s debut wasn’t electric, but it was encouraging. His patience at the plate and athleticism on defense offer promise. With veterans like Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo mentoring him, Dbacks Dispatch is confident he’ll develop quickly, especially if he gets regular reps.
Bullpen Trust Issues
Joe Mantiply has lost the fanbase. In six straight outings, he’s given up at least one earned run. Brandon and Gabe called out Lovullo’s stubbornness in using him, suggesting the team may be putting misplaced loyalty above results.
Rotation Woes
While Kelly and Pfaadt are dependable, E-Rod remains a liability. With Ryne Nelson stepping up in relief, the idea of him replacing E-Rod in the rotation is gaining steam.
Final Thoughts: A Win Is a Win, But Is It Sustainable?
The D-backs took the series, improving their divisional record and climbing slightly in the standings. But as Gabe and Brandon point out, this team still feels inconsistent. Or consistent at alternating wins and losses, however you decide. Flashes of brilliance, like Kelly’s gem or Carroll’s bombs, are often paired with avoidable bullpen disasters and incomplete games.
With the Colorado Rockies up next, the schedule offers a chance to gain momentum. Unless the bullpen stabilizes and the rotation solidifies, every game feels like a coin flip.
The DBacks Dispatch crew remains cautiously hopeful, but not blind to the red flags.