Diamondbacks defeat Brewers 5-0 with early homers in NL wild-card race

On Saturday night in Milwaukee, the Arizona Diamondbacks secured a decisive 5-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, bolstered by early home runs from Joc Pederson, Jose Herrera, and Ketel Marte. Right-hander Merrill Kelly delivered a strong performance, striking out six batters and allowing only two hits over five innings before leaving the game due to a calf cramp. This win marked the Diamondbacks' fourth consecutive victory, keeping them in a competitive position for the National League wild-card race. Pederson's two-run homer in the first inning set the tone for the game, giving Kelly an early lead. Herrera, in his 129th major league game, hit his first career home run in the fifth inning, further extending the Diamondbacks' advantage. Marte added two insurance runs with his 34th homer in the ninth inning, solidifying the team's lead. The Brewers struggled offensively, failing to get a runner on base against Arizona's bullpen and striking out seven times in the final four innings. This loss was significant for Milwaukee, who is currently leading the NL Central but faced challenges in maintaining their momentum against a determined Diamondbacks team. As the regular season nears its end, the Diamondbacks remain one game ahead of the New York Mets for the second NL wild card. The upcoming games will be crucial for both teams as they vie for playoff positions, with the Diamondbacks looking to continue their winning streak and the Brewers aiming to bounce back from this defeat.