Nolan Arenado Reaches 2,000 Hits with Diamondbacks Win

Final Score and Milestone

The Diamondbacks edged the Cardinals 5‑3 on Saturday, with Nolan Arenado delivering a two‑run double that highlighted his approach within two strikes of reaching the 2,000‑hit mark.

A wild pitch plated Ketel Marte in the third, and Arenado followed with a blow to left field that gave Arizona a 4‑0 cushion. The D‑backs never looked back, securing the victory and moving to five wins in their last six games.

Arenado, 35, is two hits shy of the career milestone. This season marks his first year with Arizona after five seasons in St. Louis and eight with Colorado.

Pfaadt’s Return Fuels Early Dominance

Right‑hander Brandon Pfaadt recorded his fourth win of the year, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out three over 5 ⅓ innings. He has posted a 2.14 ERA after surrendering just five earned runs in 21 innings across four appearances since returning from a month‑long minor‑league stint.

Pfaadt’s control was solid, walking none and keeping the Cardinals at bay until the sixth inning. His steady performance helped the D‑backs build the run differential that proved decisive.

Offensive Contributions

Gabriel Moreno and Ketel Marte each collected two hits for Arizona, while catcher Paul Sewald recorded his 23rd save in 24 chances despite surrendering a solo home run to Jimmy Crooks.

Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, fresh off winning the Home Run Derby on Monday, added an RBI single in the sixth that trimmed the deficit to 5‑2. JJ Wetherholt and Alec Burleson also contributed with two‑hit efforts for St. Louis.

Cardinals’ Pitching Struggles

Right‑hander Dustin May took the loss, falling to 5‑7 after giving up five runs on eight hits and four walks in five innings. Over his last five starts he has allowed 18 earned runs in 16 ⅓ innings, inflating his ERA to 9.92.

May’s control issues were evident, as he walked each of the first four batters he faced in one inning. The heavy run support from the D‑backs exposed the Cardinals’ bullpen depth problems.

Looking Ahead

Arizona will face All‑Star left‑hander Eduardo Rodriguez (8‑3, 2.29 ERA) on Sunday, while the Cardinals counter with right‑hander Andre Pallante (10‑6, 3.96 ERA). Both pitchers bring solid track records, setting up a rematch that could influence each team’s playoff positioning.

Fans can expect both staffs to leverage their strengths, with Rodriguez seeking to maintain his low ERA and Pallante looking to improve on a recent stretch where he has struggled with consistency.