Diamondbacks settle for series win after 8-2 loss to Padres

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Diamondbacks were chasing a sweep, but ended their six-game homestand with a stumble.

An 8-2 loss to the San Diego Padres on Sunday snapped the D-backs' five-game win streak, sending them on the road with a series win, but not the momentum they hoped for.

Arizona starter Merrill Kelly ran into trouble in the fourth inning during a ten-pitch battle with Jake Cronenworth, which ended in a two-run homer that put the Padres in front for good. Kelly gave up four earned runs across five innings, marking a rare off day for the team’s most dependable arm.

After opening the week with a sweep of the Seattle Mariners and rallying from four runs down on Saturday night, the Diamondbacks had reason to feel confident. They finish the homestand 5-1 and head into a road trip starting in Toronto with renewed optimism.

Offensively, Arizona struggled against Padres righty Nick Pivetta, managing only three hits and striking out 14 times, a tie for their second-highest total this season.

The Diamondbacks open their road trip Tuesday night against the Blue Jays, who entered the weekend with the best record in baseball since late May.

Meanwhile, the Padres will start a series with the Dodgers tomorrow where Shohei Ohtani will make his first appearance on the mound since 2023.