May 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA — Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) crosses the plate against the New York Mets during the third inning at Chase Field. (Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images)
Ildemaro Vargas delivered a two-run single, and Merrill Kelly turned in his sharpest outing of the year as the Arizona Diamondbacks edged the New York Mets 2-1 on Saturday, leveling the three-game series in Phoenix.
Kelly (2-3) allowed one run on three hits over seven innings in his fifth start since returning from an early-season back injury, striking out six and walking three. It marked a major rebound after he had surrendered 19 runs in 13 2/3 innings across his previous three starts.
In the third inning, Vargas cleared the bases with a single off Clay Holmes (4-3) after Corbin Carroll and Geraldo Perdomo strung together two-out singles and Adrian Del Castillo drew a walk, giving Kelly all the support he needed.
