Ildemaro Vargas’ 2-run triple highlights rally that pushes the Diamondbacks past Reds 5-3

By: David Brandt, The Associated Press Posted: 6:21 PM CDT Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

PHOENIX (AP) — Ildemaro Vargas hit a go-ahead, two-run triple in a decisive four-run seventh inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied for a 5-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday to win the series and keep pace in the National League playoff race.

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The D-backs remain two games behind the San Diego Padres for the final NL wild-card spot.

Trailing 3-1 in the seventh, Arizona loaded the bases with no outs against starter Andrew Abbott. Lars Nootbaar made it 3-2 with a fielder’s choice off reliever Luis Mey and then Vargas followed with his two-run triple that rolled all the way to the right-center field wall.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Gabriel Moreno breaks his bat on a swing during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Corbin Carroll’s sacrifice fly brought home Vargas and made it 5-3.

Kevin Ginkel struck out Tyler Stephenson looking to end the game, stranding runners on first and second. It was his second save of the year.

It was a tough ending for Abbott (6-9), who pitched well through the first six innings. He gave up four runs and seven hits and two walks, striking out six.

The Reds jumped to a 3-0 lead in the third on Sal Stewart’s RBI single and Eugenio Suarez’s two-run single. Elly De La Cruz started the inning with a leadoff double into the left-field corner.

The D-backs cut the deficit to 3-1 in the sixth on Gabriel Moreno’s sacrifice fly that brought home Carroll, who reached on a triple. His 16 triples this season are the most in the big leagues and his 59 career triples are the most among active MLB players.

Arizona left-hander Mitch Bratt lasted just three innings for a second straight outing. The rookie gave up three runs and five hits and three walks while striking out three.

Up next

The D-backs send RHP Merrill Kelly (8-11, 5.37 ERA) on Monday to face Cubs RHP Kevin Gausman (6-11, 4.59).

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See AP’s full MLB coverage here