Marte receives standing ovation but Dbacks rally falls short

Fans at Chase Field show their support for Ketel Marte, but the Diamondbacks fall short against the Marlins.

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - Chase Field was buzzing Friday night, not just with the crack of the bat but with a powerful show of unity that extended well beyond the game.

As the Arizona Diamondbacks took on the Miami Marlins in what turned into an explosive back-and-forth affair, much of the night’s attention centered on second baseman Ketel Marte.

Earlier this week, Marte was the target of insensitive comments referencing his late mother. Since the incident there has been an outpour of support. Over $18,000 has been donated to the Diamondbacks Foundation in Marte's mother's name.

Before the game Dbacks manager Torey Lovullo thanked fans across baseball for their support.

"I think it's very powerful," Lovullo said. "It's a great statement of support and love and connection. , [Ketel] created a voice for a lot of people by doing what he did and he was just being himself. That's why we love him."

Before his first at-bat, Marte was met with a standing ovation from both sides of fans. Marte and thousands in the crowd wore pink to honor the memory of his mother.

The game itself didn't disappoint. Arizona jumped out to an early lead thanks to a sacrifice fly from Alek Thomas.

But the Marlins responded in the fourth inning, stringing together three consecutive doubles to take the lead. From that point on, it was an all-out slugfest.

The Diamondbacks saw home runs from Jake McCarthy, Geraldo Perdomo, and Thomas, but Miami's offense proved to be even hotter. The Marlins carried a 9-5 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning. Despite a late push from the D-backs, Miami held on for a 9-8 win.

For Arizona, Merrill Kelly received the loss after pitching 5.0 innings, surrendering three earned runs.

Thomas and Perdomo were each 1 for 3 with the home runs.

For Miami, Eury Perez pitched 4.1 innings, giving up three earned runs.

Ronny Henriquez was awarded the win after pitching 1.1 innings where he gave up one run.

Kyle Stowers went 2 for 5 with a home run.

With the loss, Arizona drops to only one game above .500, as they look to build momentum heading into the All-Star break.

Prior to the game Lovullo stressed the importance of the stretch leading into the All-Star break which sees the Snakes play in 17 straight days.

"I want this team to stay extremely focused and that's my job," he said. "I got to make sure that these guys go out there and stay on the gas pedal. There are gonna be teams that that limp in and limp out of the break. [We need] to continue staying focused and play energized baseball."

These two squads will face off on Saturday and then on Monday to round out the three game series.