Diamondbacks 4, Orioles 2
PHOENIX, Sep. 1 — The Arizona Diamondbacks used home runs to defeat the Baltimore Orioles, 4–2, in Game One of an important three-game series for both teams at Chase Field Friday night.
With temperatures below 100 in Phoenix for the first time in quite a while, the Diamondbacks heated up with home runs from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Christian Walker. Combined with a strong pitching performance from Zach Davies and three relievers, this helped Arizona stop a three-game losing streak.
Orioles Score in the First
To start the game against Davies, catcher Adley Rutschman grounded to second. Shortstop and Rookie of the Year candidate Gunnar Henderson singled on a line drive to left. After Anthony Santander hit a grounder to third, where Evan Longoria’s only play was to first for the out and Henderson made it to second, Ryan O’Hearn singled on a grounder to center and plated Henderson. Davies was able to get Austin Hays to strike out swinging. Orioles 1, Diamondbacks 0.
Diamondbacks Strike Back
In the bottom of the first against Orioles starter Cole Irvin, Ketel Marte led off with an infield single. Up next was Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who hit home run number 21 on the year to left-center, scoring Marte. After a deep fly to center by Tommy Pham, Christian Walker singled. Evan Longoria struck out before Corbin Carroll grounded to first, ending the inning. Diamondbacks 2, Orioles 1.
Diamondbacks Threat Ended
In the bottom of the fourth, after Longoria was out on strikes; Carroll singled on a ground ball to shortstop. Moreno singled on a liner to right that was deflected by first baseman Ryan O’Hearn. That moved to Carroll to third. However, shortstop Nick Ahmed flied into a double play, as Henderson made an over-the-shoulder catch. He turned around and made a perfect throw to Rutschman, who tagged Carroll out. Diamondbacks 2, Orioles 1.
Christian Walker
The Diamondbacks added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth thanks to Christian Walker. Tommy Pham led off with a double, followed by Walker’s 29th home run of the season. That home run, which went to left, had an exit velocity of 105.5 mph and a distance of 414 ft. Diamondbacks 4, Orioles 1.
Orioles Get a Run
In the top of the eighth, Henderson doubled to right, and after Anthony Santander hit a fly out, O’Hearn scored Henderson with a ground-rule double. Kevin Ginkel got Hays on a strike out to end the inning.
Paul Sewald
In the top of the ninth, Paul Sewald came in to pitch, looking for his eighth save as a member of the Diamondbacks. He immediately gave a single to Cedric Mullins. Mullins stole second, before both Jordan Westburg and Adam Frazier struck out. That brought up Ramon Urias, who hit a grounder to third. Emmanuel Rivera quickly threw it to Walker at first. And after the Orioles challenged, the call on the field was confirmed, cementing the victory for the Diamondbacks. Final Score: Diamondbacks 4, Orioles 2.
Torey Lovullo Speaks
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo commented, “It was good to see us answer back after giving up a run with Gurriel’s’ home run.” He also said, “It was all about Zach Davies giving us six quality innings. We made a statement. It is good to get that opening win against a quality team.”
Diamondbacks Notes
The Diamondbacks recalled outfielder Pavin Smith, infielder Emmanuel Rivera and right-handed reliever Luis Frias and optioned infielder Buddy Kennedy to Triple-A Reno. … Before Friday’s games, the Diamondbacks were 9 wins and 3 losses against the Orioles at Chase Field. … For the 15th straight year, the Diamondbacks maintain Major League Baseball’s most affordable ballpark experience.
Orioles Notes
Ryan Mountcastle has reached base safely in 37 of his last 38 games since July 9. … The Orioles recalled outfielder Colton Cowser and right-handed pitcher Joey Krehbiel from Triple-A Norfolk. … Gunnar Henderson leads all AL Rookies with 77 runs, 49 extra-base hits, six triples, and nine game-winning RBI.
Looking Ahead
Saturday is Celebrate Mexican Heritage Night for the Diamondbacks. Baseball teams of the Mexican Pacific ARCO League will be on hand to showcase. There is a postgame concert by Contacto Norte. The first 15,000 fans to the game will get the Serpientes Replica Jersey. Saturday’s scheduled starters are Slade Cecconi (0–0, 2.57 ERA) for Arizona and Baltimore will send out Kyle Bradish (9–6, 3.03 ERA).
