D-backs Rally to Defeat Rangers in Brandon Pfaadt's Debut
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The Diamondbacks once again showed their resilience against a tough opponent, scoring five runs in the seventh inning to defeat the Texas Rangers 12-7 to earn a series split.
"That's exactly what we're looking for," said first baseman Christian Walker on the broadcast. "To be able to answer and answer again. That's how you win games."
The D-backs offense broke out with their best offensive output of the season, drawing seven walks and launching four home runs off Rangers pitching. Walker was the key batter of the game, driving in five runs with a pair of home runs and a bases-loaded walk that broke a 7-7 tie. Ketel Marte and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. joined the home run parade, with each of them hitting opposite field home runs.
Arizona took the lead for good in the seventh, scoring five runs to go ahead 11-7. The inning opened up with a pinch hit single from Corbin Carroll, who had missed the previous two games with a left knee contusion. Emmanuel Rivera tied the game with a single to left, setting the stage for a big inning thanks to a trio of walks that gave them the lead. Geraldo Perdomo, who also came off the bench, punctuated the inning with a rocket down the right field line for an RBI double against former Diamondback Ian Kennedy.
Walker explains how the D-backs were able to put those at-bats together in a critical point of the game.
"There's a time as an offense where you want to hit the gas pedal and there's a time where you let the trends play out. Really wanted to make sure we get [Jose LeClerc] in the zone before we make decisions, especially when we get runners in scoring position. For me, bases loaded less than two [outs], the goal is to drive in a run, but if I get it to the next guy without creating an out there. You just got to keep the momentum going."
Brandon Pfaadt made his major league debut against the Texas Rangers. The D-backs top pitching prospect got lit up for seven runs on nine hits, one walk, and three strikeouts in 4.2 innings. Five of those runs came in the fifth inning, as manager Torey Lovullo seemed very determined to try to get Pfaadt through the fifth with a lead to get him his first MLB win. It ultimately backfired as Lovullo had to pull his young starter trailing 7-6.
Pfaadt struggled with the long ball, surrendering four home runs, one short of the MLB record for home runs in a debut set by former Diamondback Casey Daigle on April 9, 2004. As the D-backs came from behind to win, it would be the second time since 2008 a team won despite their starting pitcher allowing seven runs in their MLB debut according to Jim McLennan of AZ Snake Pit.
"Overall I felt good" said Pfaadt. "Trusted Josey [Herrera] and the defense behind me. It just didn't come out the way we wanted to, but our offense came out to play today and we got a big win."
After securing a series split and a winning road trip of 3-2, the D-backs return home to Chase Field for a 10-game homestand. They'll face some teams with a losing record, starting with the Washington Nationals on Friday. Even though Arizona doesn't have a starter listed, Merrill Kelly is the most likely candidate to start against Washington. First pitch will be 6:40PM MST.
