Brandon Pfaadt's Strong Outing Backed by Homers in D-backs Win

The Diamondbacks clinch a series split behind eight strong innings from Pfaadt and four homers from the offense

Jul 9, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) delivers during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The Arizona Diamondbacks beat the San Diego Padres 8-2 Wednesday night behind a brilliant outing from Brandon Pfaadt and a home run barrage from the offense. There was a push moment in the bottom of the eighth inning that put a punctuation mark on the victory.

Bench coach Jeff Banister and Torey Lovullo were having an intense conversation in the Diamondbacks' dugout. Brandon Pfaadt was doing something he had never done before in his career, which is pitch into the eighth inning.

The debate was whether or not to let Pfaadt face Fernando Tatis Jr. with two outs. Lovullo had decided if Pfaadt got the first two outs, he'd stick with the pitcher to face Tatis. Pfaadt stayed in, and struck out Tatis to end the inning.

Pfaadt gave up a leadoff double to Tatis to start the game, but then set down the next 13 batters. By the time it was over, he had allowed just two runs on four hits, including a solo homer, didn't walk a batter, and struck out four.

Pfaadt was efficient throughout, with the only serious base traffic coming in the fifth inning when the Padres scored their first run. Gavin Sheets hit a homer to start the seventh but Pfaadt retired the next six batters, shutting down the Padres completely.

James McCann got the offense started for the Diamondbacks with an upper deck homer in the third inning that traveled 434 feet. He's 7-for-20, .350 with two homers since joining the Diamondbacks. More importantly, he's appeared to bring a veteran, steadying presence to the pitching staff.

Speaking to Jody Jackson of Dbacks.TV, McCann discussed what he saw from Pfaadt. "I think for him, he's still young. He's still learning his arsenal, learning what works the best at this level for him. And tonight we stuck to his strengths and he did a heck of a job of locating the ball. And that's the results you saw," McCann said.

Eugenio Suarez hit his 29th homer of the year in the next inning, giving Pfaadt a couple of runs to work with. But it was in the fifth inning that the D-backs opened up the game.

Geraldo Perdomo came up with two outs and the bases loaded, and lined a grand slam to right field. It was his 10th homer of the year and his second grand slam. He now has 64 RBI.

"I just try to put the ball in play," Perdomo said to Jackson. "First of all, you try to hit a baseball and then try to put it in play. You know what I mean? I don't try to hit a homer like I always say. Just try to take a good swing and you know, it happens sometimes."

📍Slam Diego pic.twitter.com/BgfOJeA1hx

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 10, 2025

The D-backs tacked on one more run in the seventh and another in the eighth on Corbin Carroll's 21st homer of the year.

Lovullo spoke about the team breaking out of their mini slump of late. The D-backs have hit four homers in a game seven times, and five homers once.

"It was a really good feeling. I think offensively we're capable of doing that against anybody at any time," Lovullo said.

With the victory, the Diamondbacks inch back towards .500, improving their record to 46-47. They also get back to 4.5 games behind the Giants in the Wild Card standing. San Diego drops to 49-43, one full game behind the Giants as well.

The D-backs will go for the series victory on Thursday when Eduardo Rodriguez faces Randy Vasquez. First pitch is 6:40 p.m. MST