Brandon Pfaadt matched a personal best with his 11th win as the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the San Diego Padres 6-2 in Phoenix on Monday. The victory extended Arizona’s winning streak to three games after a challenging six-game losing run.
Contributors Fuel Diamondbacks’ Early Offensive Surge
Tyler Locklear and Alek Thomas both hit home runs, boosting the Diamondbacks’ offense. Locklear, recently acquired from Seattle in the Eugenio Suarez trade, connected for his first homer with Arizona in his fourth game, while Thomas launched a homer in the ninth inning during his fourth consecutive multi-hit performance. Corbin Carroll and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. each notched two hits and two RBIs, playing key roles in maintaining the team’s scoring momentum.
Pitching Performances from Both Teams
Pfaadt pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs and five hits, with four strikeouts and three walks. He exited after a Jake Cronenworth single made the score 5-2 in the sixth inning, marking his second win against the Padres this season. Kicking off the game, JP Sears started for San Diego in his first appearance post-trade deadline but surrendered five runs on ten hits in five innings, striking out four and walking one. Reliever Kyle Backhus earned his first major league save by pitching two innings to close out the game.
Padres’ Offense and Ending of Hitting Streak
Padres hitters Jake Cronenworth and Jackson Merrill each contributed two hits and two RBIs. However, Luis Arraez’s run of 16 consecutive games with a hit came to an end, as he went 0-for-3 at the plate and struck out while facing Pfaadt in the fifth inning. Despite San Diego’s strong form heading into the game, having won seven of eight previously, they were unable to overcome Arizona’s lead.
Diamondbacks Take Control Early and Maintain Lead
Arizona’s offense struck early against Sears, scoring in each of the first four innings to build a 5-1 advantage through five innings. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. drove in the first run with a single following hits from Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll, and Carroll added a sacrifice fly in the second inning. The Padres briefly narrowed the gap to 2-1 in the third, but Locklear’s 393-foot homer restored a comfortable lead at 3-1. Carroll and Gurriel further extended the margin with RBI hits in the fourth inning, solidifying Arizona’s control of the game.
Momentum Shifted by Trade Deadline Moves and Team Resilience
The Diamondbacks’ recent trades, including acquiring Tyler Locklear, have positively influenced team dynamics following the mid-season slump. Brandon Pfaadt’s strong outing continues to provide reliable pitching as Arizona pushes to improve its standings. This series win over the Padres, a team that had been excelling, reflects the Diamondbacks’ growing confidence and resilience as they approach the heart of the season.
“Locklear, obtained from Seattle in the Eugenio Suarez deadline deal, hit his first homer in his fourth game in Arizona.” —Field Level Media
“Pfaadt (11-7) gave up two runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings, leaving after Cronenworth’s single made it 5-2 in the sixth.” —Field Level Media
“Kyle Backhus pitched two innings for his first career save.” —Field Level Media