Diamondbacks hang 6 runs on Rockies before 1st out was recorded, hold on for much-needed win

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in desperation mode ahead of the final weekend of the regular season, and the Colorado Rockies have been exactly what the doctor ordered as the game seemed well on its way to a blowout before Arizona escaped with a 12-8 win Thursday.

Facing right-hander Tanner Gordon, who entered the game with a 6.01 ERA over 100.1 innings this season, Arizona teed off for six runs before one out as the first seven hitters all reached base over 25 pitches, including home runs from Gabriel Moreno and Nolan Arenado.

Moreno entered the final few games in contention for the National League batting title, just .002 behind Philadelphia Phillies infielder Luis Arraez.

Model. Catcher. Slugger. pic.twitter.com/cQcJ8mTJK7

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 24, 2026

Sloppy defense continued from Colorado’s previous games, as outfielders Cole Carrigg and Jake McCarthy had slow approaches to fly balls that seemed to be within reach.

That came after Lars Nootbaar knocked the game’s first pitch up the first-base line to a rolling first baseman who nearly collided with an umpire. Gordon was unable to handle the rally and the explosion kicked off.

Following hot starts in the first two games of the series, Thursday marked the first time in franchise history that the offense had scored at least three runs in the first inning of three straight games.

Ketel Marte had an injury scare as this unfolded, as he hit a foul ball right to the top of his foot near his toes. Manager Torey Lovullo and trainers came out to check on him, but he walked it off, stayed in the game and earned a walk.

Marte had an RBI double in his next at-bat the following inning that pushed the early lead to 7-0. The star second baseman was then replaced in the lineup by Ryan Waldschmidt and in the infield by Ildemaro Vargas.

Gordon recorded just 10 outs before he was pulled in the fourth inning, having given up nine runs with two runners on base.

Conversely, Diamondbacks lefty Eduardo Rodriguez had surrendered just three hits and no runs in his first three innings. He earned a quality start in likely his last appearance of the regular season, giving up two earned runs with nine total hits in six innings.

Arizona’s bullpen left things in doubt as relievers Dennis Santana and Taylor Clarke gave up four and two earned runs, respectively. Clarke left two runners stranded after a fly ball that nearly left the park to make it a one-run game in the eighth.

Kevin Ginkel sealed the deal without any baserunners.

Diamondbacks still in NL Wild Card chase

After the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres clinched playoff spots with wins on Thursday, the Philadelphia Phillies are the only remaining team the D-backs can catch in the postseason hunt.

With the Phillies losing to the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, the D-backs are two games back of Philadelphia for the third and final Wild Card spot entering their series against the Padres on Friday. The Phillies will host the Tampa Bay Rays for their final regular-season series this weekend. The Rays have already clinched the American League East and a first-round bye.

Only two scenarios remain for the D-backs to reach the postseason:

– The D-backs win two of three against the Padres and the Phillies get swept by the Rays
– The D-backs sweep the Padres and the Phillies lose two of three games or get swept by the Rays

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