McCann Powers Diamondbacks Past Twins 6-4, Arizona Stays in Wild Card Hunt

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — James McCann launched a home run and drove in four runs as the Arizona Diamondbacks edged the Minnesota Twins 6-4 on Sunday, keeping pace in the National League wild-card race.

Arizona remains two games behind the New York Mets, who currently occupy the NL’s final wild-card spot. The San Francisco Giants sit just 1.5 games back.

Alek Thomas sparked the Diamondbacks’ offense with two hits, a stolen base, and two runs scored. Right-hander Nabil Crismatt (3-0) picked up the win, allowing just two unearned runs over five solid innings, striking out four and walking none. Kyle Backhus secured the final out with the bases loaded in the ninth, getting Matt Wallner to fly out and earning his second save of the season.

Minnesota got solo home runs from Wallner and Mickey Gasper, but it wasn’t enough. Starter Bailey Ober (5-8) gave up four earned runs on four hits across six innings, striking out nine without issuing a walk.

Arizona jumped ahead in the second inning when McCann’s two-out single brought home Thomas for a 1-0 lead. The Twins answered in the bottom of the inning with two runs, capitalizing on a pair of errors by D-backs third baseman Jordan Lawlar.

In the fourth, Arizona regained control. With runners on second and third and one out, Ober struck out Thomas on a foul tip. But McCann followed with a no-doubt three-run shot to left, putting the Diamondbacks up 4-2.

Minnesota’s bullpen continued to struggle at home, allowing 42 earned runs in their last 10 games at Target Field — a combined 10.22 ERA over 37 innings.

What’s Next:

• The Twins open a three-game series at home against the New York Yankees on Monday. Right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson (6-4, 4.58 ERA) is slated to start.
• The Diamondbacks return to Arizona to face the Giants, with right-hander Zac Gallen (11-14, 4.84 ERA) set to take the mound.