The New York Mets could look below them in the National League wild-card standings at the end of the night on Monday, Sept. 15, and see a new team right behind them.

That team, for at least one night, is the Arizona Diamondbacks, who used a six-run sixth inning to dismantle the San Francisco Giants, 8-1, at Chase Field.

The Diamondbacks switched positions with the Giants, moving up to one spot below the idle Mets, who hold a 1 ½ game lead on Arizona. The Giants dropped to two games back of the Mets.

The Diamondbacks (76-75) won their third straight game, with starting pitcher Zac Gallen tossing six innings of one-run ball and recording his 1,000th strikeout as a member of the Diamondbacks. He is the third Arizona pitcher to reach 1,000 Ks, joining Randy Johnson and Brandon Webb.

Geraldo Perdomo reached base five times with three hits and two walks, driving in two runs, and James McCann hit a two-run home run as the Diamondbacks took the opening game of a crucial three-game series.

A crowd of 21,521 provided energy not lost on Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, whose team is 12-6 since Aug. 27. Lovullo called on the fans in the Phoenix area to come out to Chase Field and support, and to that end, the team is offering $15 tickets that include fees for the two remaining games against the Giants.

“This team’s gritty. They’re fighting every single day,” Lovullo said. “The crowd was awesome (Monday). Look, I know school’s back in session, I know there’s a lot of (sports) practices happening and parents are being parents, and I love that. But if you find a way to get out here and support us right now, we would certainly appreciate that.

“The love that we felt out there from the fans that were here today, I know it gave us a certain energy and pushed us along.”

Gallen, who was beaten by the Giants in San Francisco last week, rebounded with a strong effort. He allowed just two hits and one walk, facing only three batters over the minimum. Gallen racked up 12 swinging strikes, eight of them coming on his change-up. He struck out six and walked one.

The lone run Gallen allowed came on a Casey Schmitt solo homer in the third.

Gallen knew he was close to 1,000 strikeouts — he had 999 coming into the game — but when Lovullo congratulated him in the dugout after he reached 1,000 in the top of the first inning, he asked what Lovullo was talking about.

“Once the game starts you’re not really thinking about that,” Gallen said. “When I got here seven or so years ago, those guys that I’m in that category with are the guys you’re trying to pitch like and have success like. So for me to be in their company is pretty humbling.”

The Diamondbacks ran the bases aggressively to the delight of teammates and put pressure on the Giants’ defense. Sparkplug Blaze Alexander drew a key walk on a 3-2 pitch to load the bases with no outs in the sixth, setting the stage for the big inning, and shook off being hit on the side of his right index finger as he attempted a bunt.

The pitch was ruled a foul ball. But Alexander was already playing hurt; he’d been hit in the left elbow with a pitch in Minnesota but played through the swelling and pain.

McCann hit his second home run in as many games.

“It’s really tipping the cap to every individual in this locker room, from each player to the coaching staff,” McCann said of getting closer to the Mets. “Everything this team’s been through from an injury standpoint and the players that aren’t here because of injury, and then the trade deadline, losing the middle of the order bats. …

“For this team to continue pushing and continue playing the way that we have, it’s just a testament to the individuals in this clubhouse.”

-José M. Romero

Carroll is team’s Clemente nominee

On Monday, Sept. 15, Major League Baseball celebrated Roberto Clemente Day around the country at stadiums. The Diamondbacks wore jerseys with Clemente No. 21 patches sewn into them, in honor of the late Puerto Rican superstar and humanitarian from the 1960s and early ’70s.

The club also named outfielder Corbin Carroll as their 2025 Roberto Clemente Award nominee. The award is given annually to one player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions on and off the field.

The winner will be determined through a fan vote open now through Sunday, Sept. 28, at MLBTogether.com/clementeaward.

Carroll, who wore the number 21 on his back for Monday’s game, was recognized in a ceremony before the game for his community involvement. His own CC7 Fund has helped outfit the Diamondbacks’ Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) baseball and softball teams with custom Nike uniforms and gear.

Carroll also provides gloves, gear and uniforms to local Boys & Girls Club chapters, hosting clinics, surprising kids at practices and speaking at schools. He has shown a passion for helping children facing barriers to education and sports participation.

Carroll has donated cleats for Phoenix-area high school tryouts, helped create and distribute 10,000 STEM storybooks to students and has taken part in several charitable events in the offseason.

In a pregame video, he said that when he first came to the Diamondbacks, he said yes to every community and charity opportunity until he found what he was most passionate about supporting.

-José M. Romero

Blaze Alexander trying to play through elbow pain

Tests were negative on Blaze Alexander’s left elbow and he is in the Diamondbacks’ lineup as the third baseman for their series opener against the San Francisco Giants.

At least, he is, for now.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Alexander, who was hit by a pitch on the elbow a day earlier in Minnesota, was planning to test his elbow during pregame work to make sure he was good to go.

Lovullo said Alexander “had every sort of scan” on Monday, Sept. 15, and all came back negative.

“We’re not putting him in harm’s way,” Lovullo said. “It’s just a matter of what he can tolerate.”

Lovullo added, “There is swelling. There is a lot of discomfort. But I know he wants to be out there with the boys, and I’m going to give him every opportunity to do so. If he has to pull back because he can’t go out and perform and it’s not functioning right, then we’ll make a different decision. But for right now, we’re going to see what he’s going to be able to give us. Hopefully, he can help us win a baseball game.”

—Nick Piecoro

Morillo recalled, DeSclafani designated

The Diamondbacks recalled right-hander Juan Morillo from Triple-A Reno and designated right-hander Anthony DeSclafani for assignment.

DeSclafani had made two relief appearances since returning from the injured list and had not pitched well in either of them, giving up a combined five homers in 5 2/3 innings. He gave up two homers in the series finale against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Morillo has bounced between Triple-A Reno and the majors all season. He was last sent back to Reno on Aug. 27. In six appearances since, he has allowed just one run in six innings, walking one and striking out three.

—Nick Piecoro

Coming up

Sept. 16: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (8-8, 4.98) vs. Giants TBA or bullpen game.

Sept. 17: At Chase Field, 12:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (13-8, 5.31) vs. Giants RHP Justin Verlander (3-10, 3.94).

Sept. 18: Off.

Sept. 19: At Chase Field, 12:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (7-3, 3.34) vs. Phillies RHP Walker Buehler (8-7, 5.29).

(This story has been updated to add new information.)