Luis Arraez had an impressive debut for the Padres after being traded from Miami, getting four hits and driving in a run. Ha-Seong Kim contributed with a three-run homer during a huge seventh inning where the Padres scored eight runs, leading them to a big win over the struggling Arizona Diamondbacks 13-1 on Saturday.
The Padres made a significant trade just before the game, acquiring Arraez from the Marlins along with nearly $7.9 million in exchange for four players. Despite joining the team just before the game, Arraez made an immediate impact, going 4 for 6 and scoring twice.
“Arraez showed an incredible approach at the plate, demonstrating why he’s known as ‘The Sprinkler,’” said Padres manager Micke Shildt. “He’s like an artist, capable of hitting to all parts of the field. It was impressive to watch. What a talent.”
Arraez wasn’t the only Padres player who performed well at Chase Field.
Jurickson Profar hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning as part of his four-hit game, and Kim followed with a three-run shot. Manny Machado contributed with three RBIs, while Michael King (3-3) pitched six innings, allowing only six singles in San Diego’s season-high fourth consecutive win. The Padres collected a total of 18 hits.
“I really admire him,” King commented about Arraez. “He brings energy to the team, is difficult to get out, and always manages to get on base. It’s going to be exciting to see him play alongside the talented players we have.”
The Diamondbacks are eager to move on from this rough week.
In the first inning, Arizona had two players tagged out at first base and struggled to advance runners beyond second base until Gabriel Moreno’s single in the ninth inning brought in a run. Since their 4-3 win over the Dodgers on Tuesday, the NL champion Diamondbacks have been outscored 28-2 and have lost seven of their last nine games.
“It’s clear that we’re facing challenges right now, and things haven’t been going our way,” remarked Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. “We’re putting in the work, but sometimes, despite our efforts, things don’t go as planned. We need to bridge that gap during tough times and find a way to win games.”
Arraez kicked off his first game with the Padres by hitting a double on the second pitch thrown by Brandon Pfaadt (1-2), which landed in the right corner. He later scored on Machado’s single, contributing to San Diego’s 32nd run in the first inning this season, the second-highest in the majors after Philadelphia’s 37.
