Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen Dominates Dodgers, Boosts Playoff Hopes

Zac Gallen has staged a significant resurgence for the Arizona Diamondbacks, transforming from a struggling pitcher with a 7-12 record and 5.60 ERA before August into a dominant force with a 3-1 record and 2.57 ERA during the month. His recent performance includes pitching six scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out eight and allowing only two hits, helping the Diamondbacks secure a 3-0 victory over the Dodgers and ending their four-game winning streak. Gallen's resurgence has boosted the Diamondbacks' playoff hopes despite the team initially being sellers at the trade deadline, as they remain 6.5 games behind the final Wild Card spot. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have struggled offensively, being shut out seven times this season and held to three or fewer hits in several games, including the recent loss to Arizona. Notably, Blaze Alexander's two-run homer and solid bullpen performances contributed to Arizona's win, while Dodgers' starter Blake Snell, pitching just after becoming a father, showed a decline in velocity and effectiveness. This game highlighted the Dodgers' difficulties against lower-ranked teams and underscored the Diamondbacks' potential late-season momentum.