Arizona Diamondbacks Robbed of Two Home Runs in Costly 1-0 Loss to San Diego Padres
The Arizona Diamondbacks endured a crushing 1-0 loss to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night at Petco Park, a game marked by exceptional defense and missed offensive opportunities. Despite a stellar outing by starter Merrill Kelly, the Diamondbacks were robbed of two critical home runs—a pair of defensive gems that turned the tide in favor of San Diego.
Merrill Kelly’s Strong Start Overshadowed
Kelly (7-5) delivered seven solid innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out four. He had complete control over the Padres lineup until the bottom of the seventh inning, when Luis Arraez launched a solo home run to right field—the only score of the game.
Even after the homer, Kelly recovered quickly and closed the inning without further damage. However, his impressive performance was not enough, as Arizona’s offense failed to capitalize on multiple scoring chances.
Defensive Robberies Shift Momentum
Arizona had golden opportunities to take the lead but was denied—literally—by the Padres’ outfield. In the fifth inning, Corbin Carroll crushed what looked like a go-ahead two-run homer, only for Jackson Merrill to scale the center-field wall and make a stunning catch.
Later, in the eighth, Josh Naylor became the second victim of elite defense, when Fernando Tatis Jr. soared at the right-field fence to snatch away another would-be home run. These two jaw-dropping plays proved decisive in the Diamondbacks’ second shutout in three games.
Offense Struggles Despite Chances
Arizona finished the night with only three hits, yet they had their chances. The team loaded the bases twice but failed to convert, leaving nine runners stranded throughout the game. These missed opportunities loomed large in such a tight contest.
Injury Updates and Lineup Changes
There was a glimmer of good news as Ketel Marte returned to the lineup, playing second base and batting second after sitting out with groin tightness. However, Alek Thomas was a late scratch due to knee soreness. Though he pinch-hit in the ninth, he struck out to end the game.
Other injury concerns include:
- Shelby Miller (forearm strain) undergoing imaging in Phoenix.
- Ryan Thompson diagnosed with a strained shoulder and neck.
- Pavin Smith confirmed to have a right oblique strain.
- Kendall Graveman is progressing well and pitching in Arizona Complex League games.
Closing Duties Up in the Air
With three closers—Miller, A.J. Puk, and Justin Martinez—on the injured list, manager Torey Lovullo described the team’s approach to the closer role as “fluid.” Kevin Ginkel, who earned a save on July 7, is expected to continue in the role, with support from Jalen Beeks and Kyle Backhus.
Ginkel expressed confidence in his readiness:
“When you pitch in the ninth, their hitters are trying to put their A-plus swing together… I’m always ready when the phone rings.”
Defensive Brilliance by Thomas
Even with limited availability, Alek Thomas showcased his elite defensive skills the night before with a game-saving sliding catch in the ninth inning—narrowly avoiding a collision with Carroll. Thomas downplayed catch probability metrics, calling them flawed, and teammates like Ginkel echoed how underrated he is as a center fielder.
“It just shut down their momentum,” Ginkel said of Thomas’ play.
What’s Next for the Diamondbacks?
Arizona (45-47) looks to bounce back in the second of a three-game series:
- Wednesday, July 9: Brandon Pfaadt (8-6, 5.42 ERA) vs. Dylan Cease (3-8, 4.62 ERA)
- Thursday, July 10: Eduardo Rodriguez (3-5, 5.78 ERA) vs. Stephen Kolek (3-4, 4.24 ERA)
- Friday, July 11: Ryne Nelson (5-2, 3.39 ERA) vs. L.A. Angels’ Tyler Anderson (2-6, 4.19 ERA)
Final Thoughts
Tuesday’s defeat was not just a loss—it was a showcase of how slim the margins can be in baseball. With two potential home runs stolen and a dominant pitching performance wasted, the Diamondbacks’ frustration is justified. If they’re to stay in the playoff race, their offense must find a way to break through.
