Recaps ‘That was awesome’: Pitcher Nelson records pinch-hit RBI single in 1st career AB – For almost two years now, Nelson, who played shortstop for two seasons at the University of Oregon, has been telling Lovullo that he could hit if needed. Last year, when Lovullo turned to fellow reliever Scott McGough to pinch-hit in a similar situation and McGough struck out, the manager asked Nelson what he would have done in that situation. I wouldve hit a missile somewhere, Nelson replied. Nelson didnt exactly hit a missile — it was an 89. 8 mph grounder to the shortstop side of second base — but with the infield in, it easily got by Dansby Swanson into center. Naylor scored from third, though Suarez was thrown out at the plate by Pete Crow-Armstrong. Nelson showed good instincts on the bases and read that the throw home was not going to be cut off, so he advanced to second with his first slide since 2018. Diamondbacks explode for 8-run eighth, salvage series split with Chicago Cubs – It left Nelson with a variety of firsts as a pro his first hit RBI. His first slide and accompanying raspberry on his knee Jeff Brigham Jersey. And he said there was one more first that did not escape his notice. I realized I had dirt on my pants for the first time in a long time, he said. That was awesome. And it left the Diamondbacks with a potential momentum-shifting victory, one that comes just ahead of the debut of their new $210 million ace, Corbin Burnes, who will start Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. I came to this ballpark today thinking we got to get this worm to turn, Lovullo said.
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