Full Breakdown
Diamondbacks Rally Late to Beat Reds 5-3, Extending Wild-Card Chase
8/24/2026, 11:00:54 AM
Core Event: Seventh-Inning Turnaround Secures Series Win
Arizona rallied in the seventh inning at Chase Field to overturn a 3-1 deficit and defeat Cincinnati 5-3. After loading the bases with no outs, the Diamondbacks’ left-fielder Lars Nootbaar drove in a run with a fielder’s choice, and Ildemaro Vargas followed by hitting a go-ahead two-run triple that reached the right-center wall. Corbin Carroll’s sacrifice fly added the insurance run. Reliever Kevin Ginkel recorded his second save of the year by striking out Tyler Stephenson to end the game.
Background & Context: Momentum Shifts and Playoff Implications
The victory came after the Reds’ 11-5 win the night before, highlighted by JJ Bleday’s cycle and Elly De La Cruz’s 450-foot homer. Cincinnati’s offense, which had surged in that game, was held to three runs on Sunday. The loss dropped the Reds to a season-long struggle; they have not been above .500 since the eight-game losing streak that began on June 3. Arizona remains two games behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card spot, keeping the Diamondbacks in the playoff race.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Arizona 5, Cincinnati 3.
- Vargas’ two-run triple: first hit of the inning, drove in the go-ahead runs.
- Ginkel: second save of the year.
- Andrew Abbott (Cincinnati starter): listed as 6-9 with a 4.08 ERA by one source, but another source records him at 6-8 with a 4.08 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP.
- Luis Mey (Cincinnati reliever): entered with bases loaded and no outs in the seventh, later gave up an RBI groundout, a triple, and a sacrifice fly.
- Mitch Bratt (Arizona rookie): lasted three innings, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks.
Official Statements & Responses
Reds manager Terry Francona noted that the team had held a lead during the earlier 11-5 victory, underscoring the frustration of losing the lead in the later game. Diamondbacks officials did not issue a formal comment in the immediate post-game coverage, but the win was framed as a critical step toward staying within striking distance of the wild-card position.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's always cool seeing someone hit for the cycle,” — Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds outfielder
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Andrew Abbott’s season record. ESPN’s recap lists Abbott at 6-9, while Fox News reports him at 6-8 with a 4.08 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. Both outlets agree on the ERA figure but not the win total, indicating a discrepancy that has not been reconciled in the available reporting.
What's Next
Arizona’s next scheduled start is right-hander Merrill Kelly (8-11, 5.37 ERA) against the Chicago Cubs. Cincinnati will look to rebound as the series concludes, with the Reds still needing to improve consistency to remain viable in the National League playoff race.
