Diamondbacks’ 4-run 8th inning not enough in loss vs. Cardinals

The Arizona Diamondbacks scored four runs in the eighth inning, but the St. Louis Cardinals rallied for two runs to secure a 6-5 win on Saturday.

With the loss, the Diamondbacks (26-26) dropped their fourth game in a row and dropped to .500 for the first time since April 12.

After the Cardinals scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to take a 4-1 lead, Ketel Marte doubled to start off the eighth inning and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. later hit a sac-fly to score Marte to make it 4-2.

Following a Eugenio Suarez single, Josh Naylor hit a line drive that got past right fielder Jordan Walker that scored two runs to tie the game.

8TH INNING SNAKES pic.twitter.com/kxxXgmNH8y

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 24, 2025

Randal Grichuk later hit a fly ball that dropped in center field between Brendon Donovan and Victor Scott II that scored Naylor to give the Diamondbacks a 6-5 lead.

WE HAVE THE LEAD. pic.twitter.com/zT12lp1ZNw

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 24, 2025

Justin Martinez struggles in return

Righty reliever Justin Martinez made his first appearance since April 30 after being placed on the injured list with right shoulder fatigue.

After striking the first batter out, Martinez walked Ivan Herrera and then gave up a double to Alec Burleson to put runners on second and third.

After Nolan Arenado hit a fielders choice RBI to tie the game, Walker drove in a run to give the Cardinals a 6-5 lead.

Martinez finished his appearance with two runs on two hits, while striking out two and walking one.

Diamondbacks rally in 9th falls short

The Diamondbacks attempted to make another comeback in the ninth inning. After getting two runners on with one out, Gurriel hit a ball that Arenado made a diving stop to throw him out at first.

With two outs and runners on second and third, closer Ryan Helsley strike out Suarez to end the ballgame.

The D-backs struggled to hit with runners in scoring position on Saturday, hitting 3-for-13.

Diamondbacks’ next game

The Diamondbacks wrap up a six-game road trip at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Sunday.

Brandon Pfaadt starts for the D-backs against Cardinals righty Sonny Gray.

First pitch is at 11:15 a.m. Listen to the game on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app. 

Related

Torey Lovullo: Justin Martinez's return 'uplifting' for Diamondbacks' bullpenZac Gallen had a gem going, until he didn't in loss to CardinalsReviewing the Diamondbacks' 1st 50 games: Missed opportunities but evident potentialDiamondbacks trade deadline: Latest buzz and potential targetsDiamondbacks in sole possession of 2nd NL Wild Card after comeback win over GuardiansDiamondbacks plan on Michael Soroka making rehab start Tuesday