D-Backs Avoid Sweep Behind a Single Blast and a Shutout
TL;DR: James McCann and a gaggle of relievers finally slow the Phils down.
In a surprising turn of events, the Arizona Diamondbacks managed to avoid a sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The key to their victory was a powerful hit by James McCann, who hit a solo home run in the eighth inning. This single blast was enough to secure the win for the D-Backs, who had struggled throughout the series against one of their primary rivals in the Wild Card race.
The Phillies' top prospect, Andrew Painter, put up a strong performance on the mound, allowing just three baserunners in seven innings and lowering his ERA to 3.12. However, the D-Backs had a tougher time at the plate, failing to get a hit with runners in scoring position during the entire series. This left the pressure on their starting and relief pitching, as they had to score one run in each game to stay in contention.
The Diamondbacks' bullpen played a crucial role in their victory, with most relievers picking up at least one strikeout. While the plan was nearly flawless, there were moments where the bullpen looked shaky, and the team appeared exhausted. The loss of this series was a significant setback for the Diamondbacks as they continued to battle for a playoff spot, with only a few weeks remaining in the season.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
