Kelly was just about as close to perfect as a pitcher can be in this one. He artfully worked the edges of the plate with his changeup, cutter, fastball, and sinker en route to a downright gem. That changeup was the star though, forcing eight swings-and-misses and it felt like every single one he threw was located perfected low and diving out of the zone. He’s now completed at least six innings in eight of his last 11 starts and sports a tidy 3.43 ERA. Kelly is lined up for a two-start week coming up against the Mariners and Padres with both starts coming at home.

It was one run through six before the seventh opened with a single, a walk and a double. Kelly departed down 3-1, and the fourth run came around to score off Jalen Beeks. Kelly had gone seven strong in each of his previous two starts, and it was reasonable for the D-backs do think he’d do the same today. It’s just the second time this season that Kelly has given up more than three runs. He’ll take a 5-2 record and a 3.52 ERA into his next start against the Nationals.

Kelly allowed just one hit in the ballgame — a leadoff double to Jordan Beck in the sixth inning — while issuing three free passes. He was in complete command throughout his seven innings and needed every bit of it as the Diamondbacks were only able to muster one run of support for him The 36-year-old hurler generated 16 whiffs on 109 pitches on the afternoon — 11 of those on his changeup — while posting a solid CSW of 32 percent. He’ll look to keep the good times rolling as he brings a 3.26 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and a 52/15 K/BB ratio (58 innings) into Saturday’s tilt against the Cardinals in St. Louis.