1 step forward, 1 step back continues to be the Diamondbacks’ path

The Arizona Diamondbacks worked the bases loaded with no outs to start the first inning on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres.

Instead of building another commanding lead after defeating the Padres 8-0 on Monday, the D-backs found themselves down 4-1 after that first frame.

That was the game right there, as the Diamondbacks lost by that very score.

Starting pitcher Zac Gallen was on the ugly end of that opening inning, allowing a three-run home run to Jake Cronenworth to fall behind.

The home run came on a 1-2 pitch after Gallen had just drawn a couple chases from Cronenworth on changeups down, but Gallen threw him a fastball right over the middle. Gallen has allowed multiple first-inning runs in three of his last four games.

He entered the game with a 7.50 ERA in the first inning, as this has been a recurring issue. But Gallen gained steam as the start continued on, giving up three hits during his last five innings to keep the Padres right there.

The damage was done, however, as with no run support for Gallen, Arizona fell to 0-11 whenever he’s allowed four or more runs this season. It is 6-2 when he’s kept opponents to three runs or fewer.

The Diamondbacks seemed to be in position to run Padres starter German Marquez out of the building when Corbin Carroll walked to load the bases in the first.

The D-backs ended up plating a run on a Max Kepler walk, but a Nolan Arenado soft lineout doubled up Gabriel Moreno at second base and bailed Marquez out at 32 pitches. He threw 50 over the next four scoreless innings, as the at-bat quality took a dive, especially from the struggling latter half of the order.

Arenado hit into two double plays and struck out twice, and hitters 6-9 finished 1-for-13 with no walks.

It was not a great day for the top of the order, either, as the offense took another step back after such a power surge on Monday. Ketel Marte’s lead-off double was the only hit from the Marte-Geraldo Perdomo-Carroll top three.

Marquez made his first start since coming off the injured list, and allowing him to finish five innings despite the rocky first was a failure for the offense to not force the Padres to use their bullpen early.

Mason Miller recorded the save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Diamondbacks on same road as before

Here are the Diamondbacks’ records at this point in the schedule over the past three years:

• 2024: 45-46
• 2025: 45-46
• 2026: 45-46

In 2024, the D-backs fell to 45-47 before ripping off a 13-4 stretch through the rest of July. Arizona ended up buying at the deadline, notably adding reliever A.J. Puk and first baseman Josh Bell, and the club played very well in August to position itself to make the postseason. Despite winning 89 games, the D-backs fell just short after a terrible final week of play, but from this position they played themselves into an opportunity to buy and contend.

Last year, the D-backs fell to 45-47 and just kept falling, pressing until the deadline came and the team sold. Arizona went 6-12 to end July.

Before Tuesday’s game, Diamondbacks ace Eduardo Rodriguez was very clear about the urgency of the clubhouse:

“We got experience from last year, so we just got to go out there and keep playing baseball and keep winning games because that’s the only way we’re going to make the front office change their approach of it. It’s in our hands,” Rodriguez told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo.

The D-backs have two more games against the Padres before capping the “first half” with three at Dodger Stadium.

Rookie Jose Cabrera will pitch on Wednesday, a big start as the D-backs try to set up a series win on Thursday. It won’t be easy, as Cabrera is matched up against Padres ace Michael King.

Merrill Kelly will pitch the finale against San Diego right-hander Griffin Canning.

Wednesday’s game will start at 7:10 p.m. MST on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app. The TV broadcast will be on ESPN. 

Related

Is Paul Sewald on the closer hot seat for the Diamondbacks?Diamondbacks avoid worst loss of season, defeat Pirates in 12 inningsDiamondbacks’ Gabriel Moreno sets niche but impressive franchise recordDiamondbacks’ Max Kepler playing catch-up, focusing on daily process after missing first halfDiamondbacks president: I’m sure we’ll talk to Gabriel Moreno about his futureDiamondbacks walked off by Pirates, drop 3 straight vs. Wild Card competitors