In a four-game showdown against baseball’s best, the Arizona Diamondbacks reclaimed some momentum by taking the final game 6-4, splitting the set with the Milwaukee Brewers. This victory wasn’t just about evening the series; it was a gutsy affirmation of depth, resilience, and opportunism from a team on the rise
After dropping three straight against the NL Central leaders, the win resets narrative, showcasing a club that refuses to go quietly into September. From unexpected pitching heroes to clutch offensive bursts, Arizona reminded many why they remain a threat despite roster turnover.
Pitching Depth Delivered When It Mattered
The real ace of the game was forgotten arm Nabil Crismatt, making just his second start of the season. He tossed 5 2/3 innings, allowing four runs, but only two earned, and kept Arizona competitive through his steady work. His season ERA now sits at an eye-catching 1.84.
Adding another layer of intrigue, rookie Taylor Rashi debuted in relief; entering the seventh with two on and a two-run lead, and shut it down, delivering three scoreless innings to earn the save. He became the 16th different pitcher to notch a save for the D-backs this season–an MLB record.
“It was cool,” Rashi said. “It was a lot. I wasn’t really nervous until I got on the mound and I was like, ‘OK, it’s time.’ I think the nerves kind of set in a little bit there. I was a little bit shaky today, not my normal self, but got to find a way.
“I try my best not to worry about things that I can’t control, but once I got on the mound, that’s when I could start to control things,” Rashi added. “And that’s when I kind of put a little bit more pressure on myself than I probably needed to. But that’s all right.”
Arizona’s offense coalesced nicely. Tyler Locklear, Alek Thomas, and Ildemaro Vargas each drove in two runs to power the game’s decisive moments. Locklear did his damage without recording a hit, benefitting from a bases-loaded plunk and run-scoring groundout.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. extended his torrid August with a 3-for-4 day, while Gabriel Moreno also stayed hot; helping push the team’s adaptable offensive core forward. Despite being just 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position, their timely hits came when it counted most.
Rashi’s Long Road to the Mound
This performance was years in the making. Drafted in the 23rd round of the 2019 draft, he began his path with the San Francisco Giants, then joined Arizona via the 2022 Rule 5 Draft.
He played college ball at UC Irvine, moving through opposing affiliates before landing in Reno (Triple-A) earlier this season.
A torn lat muscle in 2023 derailed his momentum, leading Rashi to question whether continuing was worth it. But through rehab and years in the minors–including stops at Amarillo and Reno–he persevered.
This wasn’t just a debut; it was vindication. “I was like, I don’t know if this is worth it. But this… made it all worth it,” Rashi said.
Brewers’ Missed Chances & Mounting Trouble
Milwaukee couldn’t capitalize on chances; a hallmark of the season for them lately. They stranded 10 runners and went just 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
Adding to their woes, starter José Quintana pushed pitch count past 95 while allowing six runs in just 3 2/3 innings–one of his worst starts to date.
According to MLB.com, “Yelich worked the count full before Rashi jammed him with a 90 mph fastball resulting in a weak grounder to second to end the game.”
Rashi gave praise to Yelich, saying, “He’s one of the best players in the game.”
While the Brewers’ bullpen responded with 5+ scoreless innings afterward, it wasn’t enough to erase the earlier damage and kept their form and postseason path under fresh scrutiny.
What This Split Signals Going Forward
Splitting with baseball’s best signals more than just parity; it shows the D-backs are viable even without their stars. With key contributors traded or injured, this win symbolized rising depth and belief in the organization.
For Milwaukee, hanging onto a narrow divisional lead means fine margins can define the final stretch. Stumbles like this may reverberate more as the postseason approaches–especially amid inconsistency with runners in scoring position.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Diamondbacks Rookie Steps Up in Debut to Secure Series Split appeared first on Heavy Sports.