Joc Pederson and Christian Walker each drove in two runs as the Arizona Diamondbacks secured a 6-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, preventing a three-game sweep. The D-backs managed to score two runs in the seventh inning, breaking the 4-4 tie.
Randal Grichuk crossed the plate on a groundout by Pavin Smith, after catcher Jake Rogers struggled with a throw from shortstop Javier Báez. Christian Walker scored shortly after on another ground ball hit by rookie Blaze Alexander.
The D-backs ended their homestand with a 3-3 record. Despite being the defending National League champions, they have had ups and downs this season, holding a 22-25 record.
“This team is working hard right now, it’s obvious. We’re putting in a lot of effort,” said D-backs manager Torey Lovullo. “But they’re battling, and securing a big win on a day we travel is something to be proud of.”
In the eighth inning, Detroit missed an opportunity with runners on second and third and one out. Ryan Thompson (2-1) struck out Matt Vierling and Gio Urshela.
D-backs closer Paul Sewald retired the Tigers in order in the ninth to earn his third save.
In the seventh inning, Tigers pinch-hitter Kerry Carpenter hit an RBI triple off the center-field wall, tying the game. Carpenter tried to stretch it into an inside-the-park home run, but Tucker Barnhart tagged him just before he touched home plate, thanks to a relay from shortstop Kevin Newman following Smith’s throw from right field.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch challenged the out call, but the replay confirmed that Barnhart applied the tag without blocking the plate.
“You have to avoid blocking the plate as much as possible,” Barnhart said. “At the end of the day, you have to catch the ball and make the tag. It was a great relay from Pavin to Kevin and then Kevin to me, which made my job easier.”
