Diamondbacks impose terror, set record in rout of San Diego Padres
Jul 7, 2018, 11:31 PM | Updated: Jul 8, 2018, 1:37 pm
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher T.J. McFarland and John Ryan Murphy (36) celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres 20-5 during a baseball game, Saturday, July 7, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
PHOENIX – In the lore of Game of Thrones, Melisandre of Asshai once told Davos Seaworth, “The night is dark and full of terrors.”
On Game of Thrones Night at Chase Field Saturday, the night was indeed dark and full of terrors for the San Diego Padres, as the Arizona Diamondbacks were as merciless as Joffrey in a 20-5 onslaught victory that set a franchise record for most runs scored in a game.
The offense took center stage as the D-backs jumped all over the Padres right out of the gate for fifteen runs in the first four innings.
David Peralta went 5-for-6 with four singles, a double, three runs scored, and three RBI.
Steven Souza Jr., who continues to return to form, hit his first home run, a two- as a member of the D-backs in the second inning with a two RBI blast.
Alex Avila also continues to get out of his slump this season. The catcher turned first baseman hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, going 3-for-3 with three RBI and two walks.
Paul Goldschmidt couldn’t be left out of the fun. Goldy deposited a three-run home run of his own in the fourth, going 2-3 with a single, HR, walk, and three RBI.
Goldschmidt is hitting .375 with nine doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, 32 RBI, 22 walks, and 29 runs scored since June 1, which ranks him in the top 10 of almost every offensive category
Padres starting pitcher Tyson Ross lasted about as long as Jon Arryn in this one, going two innings and allowing seven hits and eight earned runs. He walked two and struck out two.
Robbie Ray, making his third start since returning from the DL, had some struggles of his own in the first inning when he allowed a two-run home run to Wil Myers to kick things off. But he settled down, striking out the next three batters in the inning and getting himself into a groove.
But even with the offensive support, it was a short outing for Ray. He lasted 4.1 innings, striking out seven while also giving up three home runs and issuing four walks. He surrendered four earned runs on four hits in his fourth win of the season.
If you think this has a happy ending for the Padres, you haven’t been paying attention. The D-backs win in a rout while setting a franchise record for runs scored in a game.
THE GOOD
– After issuing a walk to Manuel Margot and a two RBI home run to Wil Myers in his first two batters of the game, Ray was able to strikeout Hunter Renfroe, Eric Hosmer, and Christian Villanueva to get out of the first inning.
– The D-backs offense rolled tonight. The D-backs 15 runs scored in the first four innings was the most by Arizona this season.
– With his home run in the fourth inning, Goldschmidt now has six consecutive seasons with at least 20 home runs, tying a club record set by Luis Gonzalez.
– Nick Ahmed reached base in a career-high eleventh straight game.
THE BAD
– Wil Myers took Ray deep twice in his first two at bats and added a third home run in the seventh off of Jorge De La Rosa. He now has five home runs this season, more than half of which took place in this game. It’s his sixth multi home run game of his career.
STAT OF THE GAME
– 3+ in 4 – This was the first time in franchise history the D-backs have scored 3 runs or more in four consecutive innings
HE SAID IT
“You set a franchise record for runs scored in a game, you know you’ve done something pretty special.” – Torey Lovullo
NOTED
– 20 runs scored in a game is a new club record, surpassing the previous mark of 18 runs scored on May 17, 2014 vs the Los Angeles Dodgers.
– 18 hits in a game is a season high for the D-backs and the most for Arizona since June 21, 2017.
– Goldschmidt is now four home runs shy of 200 career dingers.
– The D-backs have won 17 series before the All-Star break, tying the franchise record set in 2002. It’s second most in the MLB this season behind the Boston Red Sox.
– 27,091 were in attendance at Chase Field. Game time temperatures were 111 degrees outside and 82 degrees inside.
UP NEXT
The D-backs will look to wrap up the home stand and win the series against the Padres on Sunday. Zack Greinke will start for Arizona against left-hand pitcher Clayton Richard for San Diego. This will be the 400th career start for Greinke. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. with pregame coverage beginning 40 minutes earlier on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
Greinke has won his last four consecutive starts, posting a 1.73 ERA in 26.0 innings pitched. He is 10-2 with a 2.07 ERA in his career against the Padres. He is currently nine strikeouts away from tying Robin Roberts for number 48 on the all-time strikeout list.
