The Arizona Diamondbacks are 67-61, in possession of the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League.
That record just wouldn’t be possible without their elite one-two punch in the rotation: Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.
Kelly is third in ERA in MLB with an elite 2.97 mark, and Gallen is sixth with 3.11.
The former was at 3.13 entering action on Thursday, but managed to lower his mark to below 3.00 with a brilliant outing against the Cincinnati Reds.
In seven scoreless innings, Kelly allowed just one hit with no walks.
He also tied his career-high with 12 strikeouts.
Merrill Kelly was on FIRE tonight, tying a career-high 12 strikeouts to help secure a @Dbacks W 👏 pic.twitter.com/hgfsZ26fJv
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 25, 2023
Kyle Nelson allowed two runs while getting just two outs, and nearly blew the lead.
However, Miguel Castro and Paul Sewald came to the rescue and Arizona ended up securing the much-needed win.
Kelly’s evolution as a pitcher has been great to see.
Previously a journeyman and an innings-eater, he is now a bona fide ace, with more strikeouts (146) than innings pitched this year (136.1) and an elite ERA.
He also boasts an excellent 1.13 WHIP and has become really difficult to hit.
Kelly is not exactly young, at 34 years old, but he is showing that it’s never too late to break out and carve out a successful MLB career.
He had already been extremely successful last year with a 3.37 ERA in over 200 frames, but this year, he is reaching a whole new level.
The D-Backs can definitely rest easy knowing that they have not just one, but two legitimate aces ready to aid their postseason pursuit.
NEXT: Graphic Shows The Thrill Of Diamondbacks' Comeback Win Monday
