Merrill Kelly Strikes Out 11 as Diamondbacks Shut Out Rockies for Series Win

Merrill Kelly's arm was nothing short of dominant in the Arizona Diamondbacks' latest victory over the Colorado Rockies. With an 11-strikeout performance that left the Rockies' bats as cold as the beverage you forgot in the fridge, Arizona sealed their series win with a 1-0 shutout. In a stark contrast to the Rockies' offensive explosion the day prior, Sunday's game saw the D-backs quell any hopes of a series win for Colorado, who is off to their worst start in modern history at 8-38.

According to FOX 10 Phoenix, Kelly was a model of consistency, surrendering just a solitary hit against Jordan Beck in the sixth inning. It was Ketel Marte's solo homer that ultimately sealed the deal, giving Arizona the only run they would need to top the Rockies. The Rockies, on the other hand, couldn't seem to strike the right chord at the plate, with a strikingly high 14 strikeouts for the third time in their last four games.

Despite the loss, Rockies rookie right-hander Chase Dollander showed glimpses of his potential as the future ace for Colorado. "Honestly, every time out there is a growth moment and I'm always learning something," Dollander told the Denver Post after his 4 2/3-inning effort. Dealing with both physical cramps and a rocky first inning, the young pitcher still managed to allow only one run and nearly made it through five innings despite the challenges.

"(Kelly) is a really good pitcher," Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer commented in an interview with Denver Post reporters. Colorado's late-game opportunity was fumbled in the ninth, when Shelby Miller worked out of a bases-loaded jam to shut the door on a potential Rockies comeback. "If that ball Mike hits in the ninth gets through? We probably win that game," Schaeffer lamented, reflecting on Michael Toglia's sharp lineout that ended the Rockies' hopes.

The Rockies are looking to rectify their abysmal road record as they return to Coors Field for a four-game stint against the Phillies. Struggling Kyle Freeland is up first, searching for his elusive first win against the Phillies' Cristopher Sanchez. With the series behind them and a bleak record that could chill any team's spine, Colorado is undoubtedly eager for a chance to turn things around on their home turf.