The Arizona Diamondbacks are finally showing some fight against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. After two rough games where they fell behind 6-0 early, the D-backs find themselves up 2-1 in the top of the seventh inning, a small but significant morale boost for a squad looking to turn things around on the road.
Blaze Alexander has been the headline-maker for Arizona so far, blasting the game’s biggest hit—a two-run homer to right field that just barely cleared the fence with one out in the top of the sixth. That swing not only put Arizona on the board but also injected some life into a team that had been sputtering offensively in their recent matchups.
Pitching has been a story of resilience for the Diamondbacks today. Ryne Nelson, the right-hander on the mound, has been steady and composed, allowing just one run on six hits over six innings while fanning three Brewers along the way. His ability to navigate Milwaukee’s lineup effectively has kept Arizona within striking distance, which is a huge improvement from the lopsided losses they suffered in the last two contests.
The top of the fifth brought a tense moment. Down 1-0, Arizona had an opportunity to tie the game, but Pavin Smith ran into trouble at the plate. After Alek Thomas singled with two outs, Smith tried to score from second. The ball was sharply hit to the infield, but Smith was waved around third anyway and was tagged out at home. It was one of those classic “could-have-beens” that can swing momentum in a game, and unfortunately, Arizona came up short.
Then, in the seventh, Smith singled again to start the inning, showing his determination to contribute offensively. However, he immediately hobbled out of the batter’s box while running and had to be replaced by pinch runner Tyler Locklear. Small moments like these can add tension for both the players and the fans, and they also highlight how even minor injuries or discomforts can impact a team’s strategy.
Arizona’s roster moves are also creating some buzz. Right-hander Taylor Rashi was called up from Triple-A Reno, stepping in after Juan Morillo was sent down. Rashi has yet to make his Major League debut, so fans are eager to see how he adapts to a bullpen role at the big-league level. Meanwhile, Morillo had a rough outing in the previous game, loading the bases in the ninth inning during Arizona’s 9-8 loss to the Brewers, which ended in a walk-off for Milwaukee.
Manager Torey Lovullo shared his thoughts on Morillo, saying, “He’s got a few things to work on, he’s getting pretty close. He’s still cutting his teeth, figuring out exactly who he is and his strengths, along with some of the limitations he needs to work on.” That candid assessment shows that the team is committed to developing young pitchers while still aiming to compete every day.
Meanwhile, reliever Ryan Thompson is inching closer to returning from injury. Thompson mentioned feeling a little awkward getting ready for his rehab stint in Reno but managed to throw a scoreless, one-hit inning. His next outing is scheduled for August 29, and it could be his final tune-up before being activated from the 15-day injured list. Having him back would give Arizona a boost in their bullpen depth as they chase crucial wins in the closing weeks of the season.
Let’s not forget the matchups. Today, Nelson (6-3, 3.63 ERA) faces off against Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby (2-1, 2.09 ERA). In Nelson’s last start on August 22 against Cincinnati, he allowed three runs on four hits with six strikeouts and two walks over six innings. He has left the game with a lead in four consecutive starts, though Arizona is only 1-3 in those games—a reminder that baseball is as much about timely offense as it is about solid pitching. Ashby, meanwhile, has been mainly a bullpen pitcher this season, logging 28 appearances with two saves. He’s struck out 53 and walked 17, holding opponents to a .216 batting average. In his most recent outing on August 25 against Arizona, Ashby pitched 1⅔ innings and struck out five.
Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks have a busy few days. Tomorrow, August 28, they take on the Brewers again at 11:10 a.m., with Ryne Nelson or Nabil Crismatt expected to start. Then they head to Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Dodgers. August 29 features Zac Gallen (9-13, 5.13) versus Blake Snell (3-2, 1.97), while August 30 sees Eduardo Rodriguez (5-8, 5.67) pitching against Tyler Glasnow (1-2, 3.36). These games are pivotal for Arizona as they look to build some momentum and possibly climb in the standings.
Some additional pointers for fans watching the Diamondbacks this week:
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Momentum Matters: After falling behind 6-0 in the previous two games, even a 2-1 lead feels huge. Keep an eye on whether Alexander or other hitters can continue to spark the offense.
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Bullpen Depth: With Rashi making his debut and Thompson nearing return, the bullpen is evolving quickly. Late-inning matchups could be crucial in close games like today.
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Injury Watch: Pavin Smith’s limping could affect lineup decisions, so be prepared for pinch runners or lineup shuffles.
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Pitching Matchups: Nelson has been reliable, but Ashby’s strikeout ability makes every at-bat tense. Timing and patience at the plate are essential.
Today’s game is shaping up as a showcase of resilience and adjustment for the Diamondbacks. After a tough stretch, they’re finding ways to hang in games and stay competitive. With key young players like Alexander and Smith making impacts, plus bullpen reinforcements on the way, fans have reasons to be optimistic.
It’s also worth noting the significance of roster moves and how quickly things can change in baseball. From call-ups like Rashi to rehab starts like Thompson’s, every day brings new opportunities for players to prove themselves and for the team to adjust strategically. For Arizona, staying nimble and capitalizing on opportunities like Alexander’s clutch home run or well-timed pitching will be essential if they want to finish the season strong.
In short, the Diamondbacks aren’t just trying to survive—they’re trying to make statements. Every home run, every strikeout, and every strategic pinch run could influence the outcome as they battle the Brewers and then gear up for the Dodgers. The next few days will be a test of depth, resilience, and timing, and for fans, it’s shaping up to be an exciting stretch of baseball.
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