The Arizona Diamondbacks missed an opportunity to gain ground in the National League wild-card race Tuesday night, falling to the Miami Marlins 4-2 in extra innings.
Gabriel Moreno put the D-backs on the board early, hitting a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the first inning to give Arizona a 1-0 lead.
Ketel Marte opened the third inning with a double, followed by a walk to Moreno, but Arizona was unable to capitalize, leaving runners stranded and failing to extend its lead.
The Marlins tied the game in the fourth when Griffin Conine launched a solo home run into the pool area at Chase Field.
Jesús Sánchez led off the bottom of the fourth with a single as the D-backs looked to regain momentum, but the team again struggled to bring runners home.
Arizona’s bullpen kept the game within reach.
In the eighth inning, Brandyn Garcia retired three consecutive batters to halt Miami and give the D-backs another opportunity to take the lead.
The D-backs had a late chance in the ninth. Marte reached first base, and Moreno followed with a single. An error allowed Marte to advance to third, putting runners on the corners with two outs.
Geraldo Perdomo, however, grounded out to end the threat and send the game to extra innings.
Extra innings
Arizona reliever Kevin Ginkel kept the Marlins off the scoreboard in a tense top of the 10th inning.
The D-backs attempted to walk off the game in the bottom half, but Perdomo was called out sliding into home plate, ending another scoring opportunity.
Miami broke through in the 11th. Esteury Ruiz doubled to drive in two runs, giving the Marlins a 3-1 lead. Miami added another run to make it 4-1.
Arizona answered in the bottom of the inning when Marte doubled home Ildemaro Vargas, cutting the deficit to 4-2. Marte later advanced to third on a wild pitch, but Moreno was unable to complete the comeback as the D-backs fell to Miami.
Mike Ekness earned the win, while Taylor Clarke took the loss and dropped to 2-4 on the season.
Arizona used five relievers in the game.
Ginkel also reached a milestone, recording his 249th strikeout as a D-backs reliever — the most in franchise history by a reliever. He is also the longest-tenured member of Arizona’s bullpen and has surpassed 220 innings.
Nolan Arenado left the game with right thumb inflammation. He was reported to be OK and is expected to be in Wednesday’s lineup.
The loss leaves the D-backs 2½ games behind in the NL wild-card race. Arizona missed an opportunity to gain ground as the Phillies, Padres and Cubs also factored into the night’s postseason picture.
Post-game Reaction
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said the team’s approach was there but the offense was unable to capitalize in key situations.
“The approach was solid, but couldn’t get it done,” Lovullo said.
Lovullo acknowledged the importance of the game and the frustration of coming up short.
“We knew the circumstances. It hurts,” Lovullo said.
With the series finale looming, Lovullo emphasized the need to quickly turn the page.
“Have to find a way to get it done [tomorrow]. Look forward and just keep pushing to score runs and win the last game of the series,” Lovullo said.
The D-backs stranded 15 runners in the loss.
Next game
The D-backs and Marlins conclude their series Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Chase Field. Merrill Kelly is scheduled to start for Arizona, carrying a 9-13 record into the matchup.
First pitch: 6:40 p.m.
Location: Chase Field, Phoenix ♦︎
