PHOENIX, AZ – July 5, 2025
Bobby Witt Jr. once again proved why he is one of baseball’s most electrifying talents, launching a go-ahead, two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning to power the Kansas City Royals to a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night.
In a tense pitcher's duel that was dominated by Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen for most of the evening, the Royals' offense came to life at the last possible moment, snatching a victory that had seemed firmly in Arizona's grasp. The loss was a gut-wrenching blow for the D-backs, who wasted a masterful performance from their starter in front of a deflated home crowd at Chase Field.
Gallen Dominates Through Eight
For eight innings, the story of the game was Zac Gallen. The right-hander was nearly untouchable, weaving through the Royals' lineup with precision and power. He held Kansas City to just three hits over seven scoreless innings, striking out nine and looking every bit the part of a Cy Young contender. The Diamondbacks provided him with just enough support when first baseman Christian Walker crushed a two-run homer off Royals starter Cole Ragans in the fourth inning, giving Arizona a 2-0 lead that felt insurmountable for much of the game.
Royals Rally in the Eighth
The Royals finally broke through in the eighth inning when Vinnie Pasquantino drove in Maikel Garcia with an RBI double, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and chasing the D-backs' setup man from the game.
Witt’s Clutch Blast
That set the stage for the dramatic ninth. After a leadoff single from Salvador Perez against D-backs closer Kevin Ginkel, the next two batters were retired, bringing Bobby Witt Jr. to the plate as the Royals' last hope. On a 1-2 count, Ginkel threw a high fastball, and Witt didn’t miss it. He connected with explosive bat speed, sending the ball soaring deep into the left-field seats for a two-run shot that silenced the stadium.
"I was just trying to battle, trying to put the ball in play and keep the inning going," an understated Witt Jr. said after the game. "He gave me a fastball up, and I was able to get the barrel to it. It’s a huge team win for us. We never feel like we’re out of a game."
McArthur Closes the Door
Royals reliever James McArthur slammed the door in the bottom of the ninth, working a perfect inning to secure the improbable win.
"That’s the definition of a team that doesn’t quit," said Royals manager Matt Quatraro. "Cole [Ragans] kept us in the game, the bullpen was fantastic, and then Bobby does what superstars do. That’s a character-building win right there."
Diamondbacks Left Frustrated
The Diamondbacks were left to wonder what might have been. "It’s a tough one to swallow," said manager Torey Lovullo. "Zac was unbelievable, absolutely phenomenal. To not be able to close that out for him is frustrating. We have to be better in those situations."
The two teams will face off again tomorrow in the second game of the three-game series, with the Royals now carrying all the momentum.
Related Questions and Answers
Q: How did Zac Gallen perform in this game?
A: Gallen was dominant, holding the Royals to just three hits and striking out nine over seven scoreless innings, but his efforts were undone by a late-game rally.
Q: What was the turning point of the game?
A: The Royals' dramatic two-run homer from Bobby Witt Jr. in the top of the ninth turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead, propelling them to victory.
Q: How did the Royals respond to a tough situation?
A: Despite trailing for most of the game, the Royals stayed composed, with key hits from Pasquantino and Witt leading to a thrilling comeback.
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