Ketel Marte and Joc Pederson hit home runs to support Ryne Nelson’s comeback, and the Arizona Diamondbacks broke their three-game losing streak by beating the San Diego Padres 11-4 on Sunday.
They gave Padres pitcher Matt Waldron a tough time, scoring eight runs (seven earned) and getting eight hits off him in just three innings.
The Diamondbacks had a strong start with Marte’s two-run homer and Corbin Carroll’s two-run single in the first inning, totaling four runs.
“Our game plan clicked right from the start,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “It felt like everything was in sync and moving positively throughout the game.”
Carroll, who has been struggling this season, had a good day with two hits in four at-bats, raising his batting average above .200. Lovullo praised his performance, especially his clutch hit with runners in scoring position.
San Diego fought back with three runs in the second inning, including Jackson Merrill’s two-run homer and Kyle Higashioka’s RBI double against Nelson, who returned from the injured list to start the game.
But Arizona responded with two more runs in the bottom of the second, courtesy of RBI hits from Jake McCarthy and Christian Walker.
Pederson’s two-run homer off Jhonny Brito in the fourth inning added to Arizona’s lead in another four-run inning. “We struggled on the mound early on,” Padres manager Mike Shildt admitted. “Although we made a comeback, we couldn’t maintain it.”
McCarthy led the Diamondbacks with three hits as they totaled 13 hits in the game. Arizona ended their homestand with a 2-4 record.
