Adrian Del Castillo Hits Walk-Off Home Run in Second MLB Game
Rookie catcher Adrian Del Castillo blasted his first Major League home run on Friday night, securing a 3-2 walk-off victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field. The home run, which came in just his second MLB game, lifted the D-backs to their 25th win in 35 games since June 29.
Del Castillo’s decisive homer came on the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the ninth inning, a 97-mph fastball from Phillies reliever Jeff Hoffman.
The 24-year-old catcher, who was called up earlier this week, sent the ball soaring into the right-field stands, marking the first time in Diamondbacks history that a player has hit a walk-off homer as their first career home run.
The night was already set up as a memorable one for the D-backs, thanks in large part to starting pitcher Ryne Nelson’s outstanding performance. Nelson dominated the Phillies for 7⅓ innings, allowing just three hits and two runs while striking out nine. He was in command from the outset, retiring the first 12 batters he faced and consistently firing strikes to keep the Phillies’ lineup off balance.
Despite Nelson’s strong performance, the Phillies made a late comeback. Bryce Harper hit a solo home run in the seventh inning, and Johan Rojas tied the game in the eighth with a double that brought Nick Castellanos home from first base. This set up Del Castillo’s game-winning homer in the ninth, giving the D-backs their seventh walk-off win of the season.
For Del Castillo, the night was the culmination of a journey that began in the minor leagues, where he excelled at Triple-A Reno, batting .319 with 24 home runs and 70 RBIs in 100 games.
His strong performance in Reno earned him the call-up after starting catcher Gabriel Moreno was sidelined with a groin injury.
With his family in the stands, he made the most of his opportunity. He finished the game with three hits and two RBIs, further solidifying his spot on the team. The walk-off homer not only gave the D-backs a crucial win but also signaled the arrival of a new talent capable of contributing at the highest level.
As the Diamondbacks continue their pursuit of a postseason berth, his emergence provides a boost to a team already firing on all cylinders.
With Merrill Kelly set to return from the injured list, the D-backs are poised for a strong finish to the season, and Del Castillo’s bat could play a significant role in their success.
In just two games, Del Castillo has gone from a Triple-A standout to a Major League game-changer, and his first MLB home run will be remembered as a defining moment in a season full of excitement for the Diamondbacks.