Diamondbacks beat the Rockies 5-3 to keep NL wild-card hopes alive

The Arizona Diamondbacks secured a crucial 5-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night, preserving their hopes for an NL wild card spot. Corbin Carroll led the offense with a standout performance, including a two-run triple in the first inning to set the stage for a four-run outburst. Gabriel Moreno contributed significantly with three hits and a crucial RBI, finishing the game with three hits overall.

The Diamondbacks (84-74) now trail the Phillies and Cubs by just three games in the race for the NL wild card. Merrill Kelly (10-14) kept the Rockies in check with a solid 5 1/3 innings of work, allowing only two runs and improving his record to 6-0 at Coors Field since 2022. Jonathan Loáisiga secured his second save of the game with a crucial catch in the field, preventing a potential rally by the Rockies.

Despite a few errors that contributed to the Rockies' rally, the Diamondbacks maintained control of the game. Ketel Marte's defensive play allowed the game's opening run as he reached second on a misplay by Zac Veen. Nolan Arenado added pressure with an RBI single before Carroll added his 17th triple of the season, leading the majors in triples this year.

The Rockies have conceded the most first-inning runs in MLB at 131. Merrill Kelly's performance marked his first time striking out eight batters in six innings since his first start of the season. The Diamondbacks' bullpen shined with Adael Amador's RBI double in the second inning and Hunter Goodman's sacrifice fly in the third.

Tim Tawa extended the Diamondbacks' lead in the eighth inning with his 11th home run of the season. The Rockies' Tanner Gordon, who entered the game, will face Diamondbacks closer Eduardo Rodriguez (15-7, 2.89 ERA) in a pivotal matchup next Thursday.