Wild Card Push
Diamondbacks Keep Playoff Hopes Alive After Dramatic Walk-Off Home Run
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Key Points
1
Corbin Carroll’s walk-off homer came amid a difficult stretch: he was batting .214 since the All-Star break before delivering his 21st home run of the season.
2
Miami’s ninth-inning closer Pete Fairbanks opened the inning with a walk and left after throwing only one pitch to Geraldo Perdomo because of an apparent injury; reliever Jack Ralston then surrendered Carroll’s game-winning homer.
3
Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara allowed four runs over five innings but escaped a bases-loaded threat by striking out Nolan Arenado and retiring Tim Tawa; his 205 innings lead the majors this season.
4
Corbin Burnes’ rough return included back-to-back home runs by Jakob Marsee and Javier Sanoja during his second start since Tommy John surgery.
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Arizona expects Jesus Sánchez to spend most of his early playing time as the designated hitter because of his negative defensive value in the outfield, while his left-handed bat could help against the right-handed pitching the Diamondbacks are scheduled to face.
The Arizona Diamondbacks stayed alive in the National League Wild Card race Monday night, with Corbin Carroll launching a walk-off homer in the ninth inning to beat Miami 8-7. The victory left Arizona 2½ games behind San Diego for the final playoff spot Yahoo Sports. Ahead of Tuesday's rematch, the Diamondbacks added outfielder Jesus Sánchez off waivers from Toronto and recalled Pavin Smith from Triple-A Reno.
Smith will start at first base after batting .301 with a .925 OPS in the minors, bouncing back from a .141 average in 89 major-league plate appearances. The roster moves signal Arizona's push to make the playoffs with just days left in the regular season.
Carroll's Clutch Ninth-Inning Shot Breaks Tie
Carroll delivered the game-winning two-run homer off reliever Jack Ralston in the bottom of the ninth. The hit capped a remarkable turnaround for Carroll, who was batting just .214 since the All-Star break before his 21st home run of the season Yahoo Sports. Jordan Lawlar also contributed a solo homer as Arizona clawed back from behind.
Miami's ninth-inning closer Pete Fairbanks opened the frame with a walk but left after throwing only one pitch due to an apparent injury. Ralston took over but couldn't escape the damage, giving Carroll the chance he needed.
Burnes Shows Rust in Second Post-Surgery Outing
Diamondbacks starter Corbin Burnes allowed five runs in his second appearance following Tommy John surgery. Back-to-back home runs by Jakob Marsee and Javier Sanoja early in his start put Miami ahead. Despite the rough performance, Arizona's bullpen held firm enough to set up Carroll's heroics Yahoo Sports.
Alcantara Leads Majors in Innings Despite Loss
Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara allowed four runs over five innings but escaped a bases-loaded jam by striking out Nolan Arenado and retiring Tim Tawa. Alcantara's 205 innings pitched lead all of Major League Baseball this season Yahoo Sports. His durable arm gives Miami hope heading into Tuesday's rubber match.
Smith and Sánchez Boost Arizona's Offensive Depth
Pavin Smith's return to the majors comes after Arizona optioned rookie Tommy Troy to Triple-A Reno. Smith had been designated for assignment earlier but impressed in the minors with his .301/.925 OPS line. The Diamondbacks expect to use Sánchez primarily as a designated hitter, taking advantage of his left-handed bat against right-handed pitching Yahoo Sports.
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