Christian Walker hit a two-run single in the 10th inning, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the San Diego Padres 7-5 on Saturday night. The Padres scored once in the bottom of the inning but left the bases loaded.
Corbin Carroll started as the automatic runner for Arizona in the 10th. Geraldo Perdomo got on base with a bunt single, and pinch-hitter Randal Grichuk walked, loading the bases against Wandy Peralta (2-2). With the infield playing close, Walker singled past diving shortstop Ha-Seong Kim into center field. Jake McCarthy’s grounder then brought in Grichuk to make it 7-4.
Walker commented on Peralta’s pitching, saying, “Wandy’s changeup is good. I wasn’t expecting it, but he throws a lot of them.
In that situation, I was just trying to hit a ground ball. I saw where it was pitched; it was a bit off the plate. Fortunately, it found a gap. The infield positioning definitely helped.”
Friday night’s game had seen a dramatic ninth inning with a combined nine runs, ending in a 10-8 win for the Padres.
Reflecting on Saturday’s game, Walker described it as “fun but stressful. You try to embrace and enjoy these moments.”
He added, “Some teams just seem to bring out tough, exciting games year after year. San Diego has been that team for us this year.”
In the bottom of the 10th, the Padres loaded the bases against Thyago Vieria. Donovan Solano hit an RBI double to score Jake Cronenworth, the automatic runner. Rookie Jackson Merrill walked, but Bryce Johnson struck out to end the game.
