PHOENIX -- This is why the D-backs re-signed
When he’s at the top of his game, he can anchor a rotation and even outduel a two-time Cy Young Award winner.\n\nMaking his first home start since returning to Arizona, Gallen hurled six scoreless innings to lead the D-backs to a 1-0 win over Tarik Skubal and the Tigers in Wednesday’s series finale.\n\nIt’s the fourth time the D-backs have swept their season-opening home series. It came at an opportune time, too, pushing them back to .500 after an 0-3 start.\n\nMostly leaning on his four-seamer, knuckle-curve and slider, Gallen allowed just four hits, walked none and struck out two. He threw 15 first-pitch strikes and effectively pitched to contact, needing 88 pitches to get through his six frames.
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The D-backs placed an increased emphasis on their defense in Spring Training and it’s paying big dividends so far. Through six games, they are tied with the Dodgers for the MLB lead in defensive runs saved (8).\n\nIt was especially apparent in the late innings.\n\nIn the sixth, Jose Fernandez – who earned his first start at first base after his two-homer debut – snared a line drive and quickly fired to third base to complete a double play.\n\nIn the eighth, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas ranged to his right for a back-hand stop and made a jump throw to first for the third out.\n\nNolan Arenado started a double play in the ninth after smothering a tough in-between hop, showing why he’s a 10-time Gold Glove third baseman.\n\n“Those are the things we’re built on, the pitching and defense,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “That’s music to my ears and clearly we’re going to have days like this. We’re going to run into someone like Skubal that’s going to throw up as many zeros as he did.”
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