Eugenio Suárez makes history with four-home run game, but Diamondbacks fall to Braves 8–7
PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - Eugenio Suárez gave Arizona Diamondbacks fans a performance they'll never forget Saturday night, even if the final score didn't go their way.
The veteran third baseman launched four home runs in four at-bats against the Atlanta Braves, becoming just the 19th player in Major League Baseball history to accomplish the rare feat.
Suárez's explosive night at the plate tied the game in the ninth inning, but the Diamondbacks couldn't hang on in extras, losing 8–7 in ten innings.
Suárez got started early, crushing his first homer in the second inning off Braves starter Grant Holmes. He followed it up with two more bombs in the fourth and sixth innings, both also off Holmes, the last of which was a towering 443-foot shot to straightaway center.
"He was seeing beach balls," said D-backs manager Torey Lovullo. "Honestly, after the third, I thought, 'There's no way he does it again.' But he did. It was like watching something out of a movie."
And the script wasn't done yet.
With Arizona trailing 7–6 in the bottom of the ninth, Suárez stepped to the plate one last time. Facing Braves closer Raisel Iglesias, he blasted a game-tying solo shot, his fourth of the night, igniting the Chase Field crowd and cementing his place in baseball lore.
Unfortunately for the D-backs, Atlanta had the final say. In the tenth inning, a wild pitch from reliever Justin Martinez allowed Matt Olson to score from third, giving the Braves the go-ahead run and ultimately the win.
Suárez, now 33-years-old, has long been known for his power, but even he seemed in awe of the moment.
"I never imagined I'd hit four in one game," Suárez said. "I'm thankful to God for this moment. It's special, even if we didn't get the win."
Despite the loss, Arizona's fourth in a row, Suárez's performance was a bright spot in what's been a hot-and-cold season. Through 27 games, he leads the majors with 10 home runs, though he has just 19 total hits on the year.
Saturday marked his third career three-home run game, but his first ever four-homer night. He joins J.D. Martinez (2017) as the only Diamondbacks players to hit four in a single game.
The game was a rollercoaster throughout. Arizona built an early 6–2 lead before Atlanta rallied late. A two-run homer from Eli White in the seventh and a clutch two-run double by Michael Harris II in the eighth flipped the script. Defensive miscues and bullpen struggles continued to plague the D-backs down the stretch.
Arizona starter Merrill Kelly went six strong innings, allowing just two runs. Holmes, who gave up Suárez's first three homers, was tagged for six earned over 5 2/3.
Up next, the Diamondbacks will try to salvage the series finale on Sunday. Right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (4-1, 2.73 ERA) takes the mound for Arizona, facing Braves rookie Spencer Schwellenbach (1-1, 2.56 ERA).
