Ketel Marte's Big Night Not Enough in Loss To Reds

D-backs fall 9-6 due to poor pitching and sloppy defense leading to Matt McLain's game busting grand slam

Ketel Marte did everything he could tonight to help the D-backs secure a victory in Cincinnati. He hit a solo homer in the first inning off of Ben Lively then hit an RBI triple in the 5th, chasing the Reds starter from the game. In the 7th inning he hit a two-run shot to get the D-backs to within 9-6. But they could get no closer as poor pitching and defense dug too deep a hole. 

It was Marte's first multi-homer game of the year and sixth of his career. He now has 17 homers and 69 RBI while batting .286. The power numbers are the best he's had since his All Star season in 2019 when he hit 32 homers and drove in 97.

Tommy Henry had a very poor outing, struggling with command and control all game. He gave up an unearned run in the first inning, allowing two singles after an error by Geraldo Perdomo. Then he gave up another run in the second inning on a fielder's choice, after he loaded the bases on two walks and a hit by pitch.  The Reds tagged him for two more runs in the fourth inning when he walked two more batters and then gave up a two-run double to Steer. Henry lasted just 4.1 innings and of his 88 pitches just 47 were for strikes. His record falls to 5-3 and his ERA goes to 4.01

Other than Marte the only other contributors on offense were Geraldo Perdomo and Alek Thomas.  Thomas doubled and homered, and Perdomo went 2-4 with an RBI, a walk, and two runs scored. Hitters three through eight in the lineup were all hitless  however, going 0-21 with three walks. 

Perdomo's sloppy defense played a big hand in tonight's loss. It was his error on a ball in the hole in the first inning that led to the unearned run charged to Henry.  He booted another ball in the third that could have been called an error but was scored a hit as it had over 100 MPH exit velocity. It didn't cost a run, but it did cost Henry additional pitches. 

It was the fifth inning  however that was the D-backs undoing. After Henry got the first out of the inning Torey Lovullo went to the bullpen bringing in Justin Martinez.  The fireballing reliever gave up a base hit and then induced a ground ball to Marte who flipped to Perdomo. The shortstop spun awkwardly on the turn and threw to first on what was originally ruled an inning ending double play. 

Unfortunately Perdomo failed to touch second base as he spun to throw the ball and the play was overturned on review, and ruled a fielder choice, no out at second instead.  An RBI double from Will Benson followed, and then an intentional walk loaded the bases for Matt McLain.  The Reds standout rookie shortstop launched the ball into the right field bleachers for grand slam, giving his team a 9-3 lead to that point.  Martinez was charged with five runs while getting just one out.  

After playing near flawless, errorless defense through June 27th, Perdomo has now made three errors in his last 15 games and had several costly misplays such as tonight where he was not charged with an error but appeared awkward in the process. 

The D-backs are now 2-5 on this road trip and will send Brandon Pfaadt out to the mound tomorrow against Brandon Williamson for the Reds. First pitch is 1:10 P.M. MST.