Facing elimination in World Series, D-backs need All-Star performance from Zac Gallen in Game 5

PHOENIX (AP) — Zac Gallen’s performance in the postseason hasn’t lived up to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ expectations. In Game 5 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night, Gallen must rediscover his All-Star form or risk ending his team’s surprising October run.

After a disappointing Game 4, where a planned bullpen strategy resulted in an 11-7 loss to the Texas Rangers, the Diamondbacks face elimination. They fell behind by 10 runs in the third inning, leaving them with a 3-1 deficit in the best-of-seven series.

Gallen, who started for the National League in this year’s All-Star Game, has struggled with a 2-2 record and a 5.27 ERA in the postseason.

“He can’t rely on his reputation alone,” stated D-backs manager Torey Lovullo before Game 4. “At this time of year, everyone is at the top of their game and fully prepared.

“He needs to be more efficient with his pitches, their placement, and the sequencing.”

Not only do the D-backs need Gallen to perform well in Game 5, they also need him to be efficient. Game 4 saw Lovullo utilize six different pitchers.

Fortunately, right-hander Ryne Nelson stepped up for the Diamondbacks in Game 4, pitching 5 1/3 solid innings after the game was already out of reach. As a result, three key relievers—Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, and Paul Sewald—did not have to pitch.

Gallen has been competitive in his five October starts, completing at least five innings in each. However, he has allowed 13 earned runs and five home runs over his last 16 innings pitched.

The Diamondbacks had hoped for a formidable duo with Gallen and Kelly throughout the postseason. Unfortunately, Gallen has struggled to live up to expectations.

During the regular season, Gallen, a 28-year-old right-hander, impressed with a 17-9 record and a 3.47 ERA. He is considered one of the top candidates for the NL Cy Young Award, which will be announced in November. The Rangers will counter with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi in Game 5.

Lovullo attributed Gallen’s postseason struggles to a lack of command, particularly with his secondary pitches. In Game 1 against the Rangers, Gallen allowed three runs on four hits and four walks in five innings.

“We shouldn’t forget how exceptional Zac has been,” Lovullo emphasized. “He consistently goes five, six, or seven innings. Sometimes he gives up a couple of runs, but we’ve become accustomed to him allowing zero or one.”

Gallen has shouldered a heavy workload in 2023, throwing 237 1/3 innings between the regular season and postseason. Despite this, he stated feeling good and had a 35-pitch bullpen session on Monday to prepare.

He has one more chance to deliver a postseason gem, and the Diamondbacks desperately need it if they want to extend the series to Texas.

“I’ll keep working on my delivery until the final bell rings,” Gallen declared. “Throwing as much as I do may not be ideal, but it helps me feel prepared and mentally at ease.”

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