Kepler's Return Defines Night
Three home runs powered the Arizona Diamondbacks to an 8-0 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Ketel Marte was instrumental early, reaching base and scoring twice via throwing errors by pitcher Walker Buehler. Kepler followed with a three-run blast in the third inning, his first long ball since returning from an 80-game suspension. Perdomo and Arenado added solo shots later in the game to complete the offensive showcase.
Early Errors Set the Tone
The Diamondbacks struck first in the top of the first inning. Marte scored on a throwing error by Buehler, with Perdomo stealing second base. Perdomo later scored on another throwing error by Buehler, while Kepler doubled on a single to left field that was mishandled by left fielder Taylor. Moreno reached third on the same error. Arizona added another run in the top of the third when Gurriel Jr. singled to right, driving in Carroll. Moreno advanced to second.
Kepler's Power Surge
The inning turned decisive when Kepler homered to right field, a 417-foot shot that scored Moreno and Gurriel Jr. This three-run homer extended the Diamondbacks' lead to 6-0. The offensive pressure continued in the top of the fourth inning, where Perdomo homered to right field, a 377-foot shot that made the score 7-0. In the top of the sixth inning, Arenado added another solo home run to left field, a 361-foot blast that sealed the 8-0 victory.
Pitching and Final Stats
Arizona's pitching staff held San Diego scoreless. Brandon Pfaadt earned the win, pitching 5.0 innings, allowing 4 hits and striking out 6 batters. Ryan Thompson and Drey Jameson closed out the game, combining for 4.0 innings of scoreless relief. Buehler took the loss, giving up 7 hits and 7 earned runs in 5.0 innings. Alek Jacob pitched 3.0 innings, allowing 1 earned run, while Ron Marinaccio pitched 1.0 inning. The game was played at Petco Park with 38,204 in attendance. The Diamondbacks improved to 45-45, while the Padres fell to 44-46.
Sources
https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816050
