Zac Gallen Pitches Into Sixth in Final Spring Start

Gallen threw 82 pitches in his final tune-up before his Opening Day start in Los Angeles.

In his final tune-up start, Diamondbacks Opening Day starter Zac Gallen pitched into the sixth inning in a 7-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Gallen pitched 5.2 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits, one walk, and three strikeouts. 

The Reds got to him for two home runs in the outing, a solo shot by Spencer Steer in the first and a three-run homer by Jose Barrero in the fifth. Overall Gallen threw 82 pitches, 48 for strikes. His next start will come Thursday in Los Angeles, as the team has set their rotation for the opening series.

Gallen's average fastball velocity was 92.5 MPH, up slightly from his last start but still well off his average of 94.1 MPH last year. 

Arizona had their chances to score against Hunter Greene, but went 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position and hit into a pair of double plays. They had a chance in the fifth against Ian Gibaut, but left two runner on base.

The D-backs broke the seal in the sixth against Hunter Strickland. Evan Longoria doubled on a ball that barely eluded Barrero in center. Kyle Lewis walked to put two on for Christian Walker. Walker roped a double off the left field wall, hit at 107 MPH, to get on the board. Corbin Carroll showed off his elite speed, legging out a ground ball hit to the right side to drive in a run. After Carroll stole second, Jake McCarthy singled to center to drive in two despite a great throw from Barrero.

The D-backs got another solid game from Lewis, who had a single and a walk in three trips to the plate. The former first rounder and Rookie of the Year's bat has come alive and is forcing the team to make some tough decisions with their Opening Day roster. 

Joe Mantiply and Carlos Vargas each allowed a run in their respective outings, going 1.1 and one inning respectively. Mantiply allowed an RBI double to Barrero in the seventh and Vargas was tagged for a home run by former Diamondback Henry Ramos.

The D-backs will play a split-squad Mariners team tomorrow in Peoria. Peter Solomon will get the start for Arizona, first pitch at 1:10PM.