Kevin Newman Discusses Walk-Off Heroics and Batting Adjustments

Against his former team, Kevin Newman delivered his first signature moment with the Diamondbacks, driving in a two-run walkoff single to secure a 6-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

This dramatic hit was Newman’s sixth career walk-off, adding to his impressive tally that includes four from his five-season stint with the Pirates and one from his time with the Reds last year.

Newman joined the Diamondbacks four months ago under a modest one-year contract worth less than $1 million. He started the season in the minors but was quickly called up after starting shortstop Geraldo Perdomo went on the injured list.

Including his four-hit performance that ended with Monday’s walk-off, Newman has posted a .253 batting average across 79 at-bats. With 8 hits in his last 12 at-bats over three games, the former University of Arizona standout is making a compelling case to remain the starting shortstop until Perdomo’s return.

Reflecting on his ninth-inning heroics, which extended Arizona’s perfect record to 4-0 against Cincinnati this season, Newman noted, “Felt great, most importantly getting the win for the team, just really happy to come through for the guys in the dugout, the fans that showed up.”

Newman also highlighted his recent focus on improving his bat path, aiming to stay through the middle more consistently to better tackle off-speed pitches.

Asked about the Diamondbacks‘ recent upswing, winning six of their last eight games, Newman noted the significance of the win. “To come here and get this first one I think might be the tone setter for this homestand, and I think that’s what we all wanted,” he explained.

Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks have two more games against the Reds, followed by a three-game series at home against the Detroit Tigers. They will then embark on a brief three-game road trip to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers.