Diamondbacks 1 game back of playoff spot after blowout win over Padres

SAN DIEGO — One week ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks trailed the third National League Wild Card spot by five games, all but buried in their pursuit of the postseason.

The D-backs have since mounted their longest winning streak of the year with six straight victories, and they narrowed their NL Wild Card deficit to one game with two left.

Arizona (86-74) plowed over the San Diego Padres in their series opener at Petco Park on Friday, 11-4.

The Philadelphia Phillies lost to the Tampa Bay Rays earlier in the day, presenting the Diamondbacks an opportunity to continue making up ground. Philadelphia’s magic number has been stuck at two for three days.

In order to make the playoffs, the Diamondbacks need one of the following to unfold over the weekend:

• Diamondbacks go 2-0, Phillies go 1-1 or 0-2
• Diamondbacks go 1-1, Phillies go 0-2

The Diamondbacks have pushed their playoff odds from nearly impossible to quite feasible, as FanGraphs‘ model gives them a 31% chance to make it.

“We’re playing without pressing,” shortstop Geraldo Perdomo said after a four-RBI day. “I feel like the environment we have around here, the energy we’ve put together, I think that’s why it’s been a success the last five, six games.”

Manager Torey Lovullo said the vibe is different between being the hunter and hunted.

The D-backs lost their last four games of 2023 but were not caught. In 2024, the D-backs dropped five of their last seven and were passed by at the very end.

Arizona failed to maintain its position in the standings leading up to this stretch, but it is obvious how closely the group has banded together to keep the season from slipping away.

“It’s a little unnerving,” Lovullo said of being chased down. “Sometimes teams can respond to that, but it can be a little bit challenging. … It’s a little bit of a different feeling. I think we have a very open mind as to what we need to do. Everybody knows it and I think everybody is having fun.”

Diamondbacks get to Padres, Casey Mize early

The D-backs picked up where they left off against Padres starter Casey Mize, whom they scored eight runs against in his first start after San Diego acquired him at the trade deadline last month.

This time, the D-backs tagged Mize with seven runs, getting the scoring going right away.

Lars Nootbaar crushed the first pitch of the ballgame 403 feet to open a three-run first inning. The score bug on the TV broadcast had not even fully appeared yet.

Early runs have been key to this winning streak, as the D-backs have plated at least three runs during the first inning of four straight games, a club record.

Padres fans were loud as the game started, celebrating their team for clinching a playoff spot on Thursday. Those cheers turned to boos for Mize quickly.

Jordan Lawlar hit an opposite-fielding home run in the second inning. Nolan Arenado blasted his 30th home run of the season in the third, his fourth long ball in the past five games.

Arizona’s offense brought in double digit runs for the second straight game and has scored 43 runs over the last six contests, a heater at the perfect time for a lineup that has been up-and-down all season.

“I just think one through nine we had really good at-bats and put it on him early,” Nootbaar said. “It’s never easy when you’re down early.”

The Padres took out multiple starters after the sixth inning — San Diego locked in a playoff spot on Thursday but not its seed, leading the Chicago Cubs by 1.5 games for the top NL Wild Card spot and home-field advantage.

Brandon Pfaadt saves the bullpen

Starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt managed to limit damage despite some early traffic and eventually found a groove.

The right-hander pitching deep into the game was imperative for the Diamondbacks, who placed Saturday’s probable starter Corbin Burnes on the injured list and will have to piece together a new plan for the middle game of this series.

Pfaadt ended up pitching 7.2 innings, giving up four earned runs to (likely) finish his regular season with a 3.77 ERA.

By taking such a large lead, the Diamondbacks were able to avoid using their highest-leverage relievers for the second straight game, gassing up the bullpen for what will be a busy day for the unit. Ryne Nelson faced two hitters and Zac Gallen three at the end of the game.

Did the Diamondbacks know the situation?

Philadelphia’s game ended before the D-backs and Padres started, so there was an awareness in the clubhouse about what was going on in the playoff race.

“We knew, or I knew at least,” Nootbaar said. “As I was hitting in the cage, I think the third out happened in that game. But, we have a mentality that we got to win every game that we play. … We don’t need any other motivation, but definitely a little jolt to get the first one of the series knowing that it puts a little bit of pressure back on them.”

Gabriel Moreno leaves game

Catcher Gabriel Moreno, who recorded two hits in his quest for the NL batting title, exited the game with a tender left hamstring, per Lovullo.

The skipper said Moreno is penciled into the lineup on Saturday as the designated hitter. Arizona designated outfielder Jesus Sanchez for assignment to bring up another catcher for depth.

Moreno said the injury is similar to what he experienced earlier this season, which he was able to play through.

Moreno is batting .311 this year, just ahead of Philadelphia’s Luis Arraez (who is also banged up) in the race. Arraez is batting .310.

The second game of this series begins at 5:40 p.m. MST on Saturday evening. Walker Buehler will start for San Diego. The D-backs have not yet announced their starting pitcher.

The game will air on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app. 

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