The Arizona Diamondbacks’ offense fell into an early hole and couldn’t complete a late comeback, falling 9-4 to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night at Chase Field. The loss evened the four-game series at one game apiece.
Arizona entered Tuesday’s matchup having won five of its previous six home games and recording 15 victories since July 9, the second-most in Major League Baseball during that span behind the Boston Red Sox (18).
The Diamondbacks opened the series with a 5-1 victory Monday behind a quality start from Brandon Pfaadt, who allowed one run on five hits over his outing while striking out three and walking one. Relievers Juan Morillo and Brandyn Garcia combined for 2 1/3 scoreless innings to secure the win.
Tuesday was a different story, as San Diego jumped on Arizona starter Eduardo Rodriguez early.
Fernando Tatis Jr. scored the game’s first run in the opening inning after Manny Machado doubled to left field. Jackson Merrill followed with an RBI single to score Machado before Xander Bogaerts added another RBI single, giving the Padres a 3-0 lead after the first inning.
San Diego added to its advantage in the second. Rodriguez worked into a bases-loaded jam, and the Padres capitalized with two more runs to extend their lead to 5-0.
The Padres continued to build their cushion throughout the night. Luis Rengifo drove in a run in the sixth inning, and San Diego added another in the seventh on RBI contributions from Freddy Fermin and Merrill.
Arizona finally showed signs of life in the bottom of the seventh. Nolan Arenado launched a two-run home run with one out before James McCann drove in two more runs with a sacrifice fly to center field, trimming the deficit.
Morillo provided Arizona with a scoreless eighth inning to keep the Diamondbacks within striking distance, but the Padres answered with another run in the ninth to seal the 9-4 victory.
Rodriguez (L, 5 2/3 IP) allowed five earned runs on 11 hits while striking out four in a difficult outing. The early damage proved too much for Arizona to overcome despite its late offensive push.
Nootbaar makes Diamondbacks debut
The Diamondbacks also welcomed newly acquired outfielder Lars Nootbaar to the lineup Tuesday.
Arizona acquired Nootbaar from the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday in exchange for right-hander Daniel Eagen, left-hander Sandro Santana and a player to be named later.
Nootbaar made his Diamondbacks debut against San Diego, reaching base twice on walks and scoring one run.
To make room on the roster, Arizona placed catcher Gabriel Moreno on the paternity list and transferred right-hander Zac Gallen to the 60-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.
Arizona entered Tuesday tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the second National League Wild Card spot, four games behind the Chicago Cubs and two games ahead of both the Padres and Miami Marlins.
Up Next
The Diamondbacks continue their four-game series against the Padres on Wednesday at Chase Field.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. MST. Left-hander Mitch Bratt is expected to start for Arizona, while right-hander Casey Mize is slated to take the mound for San Diego. ♦︎
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