November 2, 2023
Zac Gallen Shines in Game 5 of the World Series
PHOENIX — With the D-backs’ season hanging in the balance, Zac Gallen delivered an outstanding performance in Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday night at Chase Field.
A Dominant Start
The Arizona ace was untouchable through the first six innings, not allowing a hit until Corey Seager singled on a soft grounder to the opposite field in the seventh.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Gallen breezed through the first four innings, retiring the first 12 batters he faced with just 35 pitches. This marked the fewest pitches thrown by any pitcher in the first four innings of a World Series game since at least 2000.
A Test in the Fifth
The fifth inning presented a challenge for Gallen. It started with Rangers designated hitter Mitch Garver hitting a 370-foot fly ball that was caught by Cuban outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on the warning track. One batter later, Gurriel made an impressive play in the left-center field alley to rob Josh Jung of an extra-base hit.
Avoiding Home Runs
Both Garver’s hit and Jung’s hit would have been home runs in longer ballparks, but at Chase Field, they ended up in Gurriel’s glove.
Keeping the No-Hitter Alive
Although Gallen lost his perfect game bid by walking Nathaniel Lowe with two outs, he responded by striking out Jonah Heim to preserve the no-hitter. He then induced a groundout and a fly ball before striking out Marcus Semien to complete seven innings.
Challenges at the Plate
“It was tough to hit their pitches today,” Garver commented during the game. “When we were down to two strikes, we found ourselves swinging at bad pitches a lot. We were trying to get to Gallen early, but when you’re down to two strikes, you just have to battle.”
A Historic Streak
This marks the third consecutive World Series with a no-hitter of five or more innings, setting a new record for the Fall Classic.
A Redemption Performance
Gallen’s dominant outing came after some uncharacteristic struggles earlier in the postseason. He entered the game with a 5.27 ERA in five starts and had allowed multiple runs in the first inning in four of those games.
One Response
Zac Gallen’s Game 5 performance in the World Series was nothing short of perfection. With precise pitches and flawless execution, he astounded both fans and critics alike. A true masterclass in pitching, Gallen elevated his team to victory and etched his name in baseball history.