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Sale wins MLB-high 12th game, Duvall adds 3-run homer, Braves beat D-backs 6-2

Theo

PHOENIX — Chris Sale led Zac Gallen with 5 1/3 strong innings, Adam Duvall hit a three-run homer and the Atlanta Braves beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 on Tuesday night for their fourth straight victory.

Duvall hit his three-run home run in the sixth inning, increasing Atlanta’s lead to 5-0. The 441-foot home run was launched deep into the left-field bleachers, ending Gallen’s night in frustration.

It was a bright spot in a tough season for Duvall, who entered the game batting just .184 with seven home runs.

Sale (12-3) struggled to finish its first inning, allowing walks to Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno to load the bases with two outs. But it was able to get a groundout from Jake McCarthy to end the threat.

The next four innings were considerably easier before the left-hander ran into trouble in the sixth, allowing a single by Moreno before McCarthy’s RBI triple. Sale, who leads MLB with 12 wins, allowed two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out nine batters.

The 35-year-old has recovered from several injury-plagued seasons and has emerged as one of the top pitchers in the major leagues this year. He will represent the Braves on the National League All-Star team on July 16.

Gallen (6-5) allowed five runs, four earned, in 5 1/3 innings. The right-hander gave up seven hits and one walk while striking out four batters.

The Braves took a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Sean Murphy’s hit allowed Marcell Ozuna to score the first run, then Atlanta took advantage of a defensive error when All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte dropped a fly ball from Orlando Arcia that allowed Eddie Rosario to score.

Eli White hit a triple as a pinch hitter and drove in a run in the seventh inning to give Atlanta a 6-2 lead. Duvall, Ozuna and Jarred Kelenic all had two hits. Jesse Chavez pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief.

Braves: Right-handed pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver was activated and right-handed pitcher Bryce Elder was sent to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Diamondbacks: Left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery (knee), left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (oblique) and right-handed pitcher Merrill Kelly (shoulder) all threw in the bullpen Tuesday. Manager Torey Lovullo said Montgomery was probably the closest to returning to the active roster.

The Braves will start starting pitcher Charlie Morton (5-5, 3.96 ERA) on Wednesday. The D-backs have not yet named a starter.

AP Major League Baseball: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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