Since beating the New York Yankees on a walk-off in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, postseason success is not something that’s come easy to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
They most recently made the 2017 postseason, winning the Wild Card game against the Colorado Rockies, then losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.
The past three years have not fared well for Arizona, with them finishing last or second-to-last in the AL West.
Even though baseball is a team game, there’s one player who might help the Diamondbacks snap that postseason drought – former UNC baseball pitcher Zac Gallen.
The New Jersey-born right-hander is having a career year for the D-Backs, one that has him a favorite for the NL Cy Young (best pitcher) Award. Gallen carries a 14-5 record (tied for best record in baseball), a 3.11 earned run average, 179 strikeouts and a 1.06 WHIP (walks hits per innings pitched, all 5th-best).
Gallen just enjoyed another pitching gem last night – tossing six innings, striking out 11 batters, allowing seven hits, one walk and just one walk in a 6-3 D-Backs victory over the slumping Texas Rangers.
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Gallen currently has Arizona in the NL West’s second-place slot behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. More importantly, the Diamondbacks currently hold a playoff spot, with them clinging onto a half-game lead over the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds.
In three seasons at Carolina (2014-2016), Gallen posted a career statline of 14 wins and 13 losses, 3.36 career ERA, 231 strkeouts and just 12 home runs allowed.
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