Gabriel Moreno gave Arizona the lead in the ninth inning with a two-run double, and Ketel Marte added a three-run homer as the Diamondbacks defeated the Kansas City Royals 8-6 on Wednesday night.
“We never gave up. It was a win that showed our character. The guys dug deep,” said Arizona manager Torey Lovullo. “It was a tough game against a strong team. We got one guy on base and kept the momentum going.”
Eugenio Saurez hit a home run for Arizona in the second inning, while Joc Pederson and Christian Walker hit consecutive home runs in the fourth to make it 3-1. Pederson reached a milestone with his 200th career home run.
Trailing 4-3 in the ninth inning against Royals closer James McArthur (4-4), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. singled with one out, Geraldo Perdomo walked, and Moreno delivered a double to the right-center gap that scored both runners.
“I was focused on finding a pitch where I wouldn’t ground into a double play. I stayed composed and went to my strength, which is hitting to right-center,” Moreno said through a translator.
After Corbin Carroll singled following Moreno’s hit, Marte smashed a three-run homer to center field.
“It was a frustrating inning,” McArthur admitted. “I felt like I was close at times to getting out of it but didn’t execute the pitch I needed to.”
Marte hit a home run in each game of the series against the Royals.
“He’s incredible, I don’t know what else to say,” Lovullo praised Marte, who represented Arizona in the All-Star game this season. “He consistently delivers. I’ve seen him do it time and again. He thrives in these moments, and it was a huge hit for him.”
Joe Mantiply (4-2) pitched the eighth inning for the win, and Paul Sewald closed the game despite allowing Vinnie Pasquantino’s two-run single in the ninth.
The Royals had taken the lead with a three-run fourth inning. Michael Massey scored on Maikel Garcia’s fielder’s choice after doubling earlier in the inning. Kyle Isbel tied the game with a triple and then scored on a wild pitch by Ryne Nelson.
