PHOENIX – After a frustrating 3-2 loss last night to the Philadelphia Phillies, the D-Backs will try and fix the problems that keep costing them close matchups.
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May 2, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (12) scores during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
One of the biggest issues with this ball club is leaving runners on base. Just last night they went 2-for-9 with RISP, stranding seven. Arizona had 10 hits in the contest, but the case is they are having trouble consecutively stringing together hits at the plate.
Key players to watch:
Friday saw the return of Ketel Marte, as he went 1-for-4 on the day. With him being back in the lineup, it’s just a matter of time until he helps this team breakthrough in these games. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had three hits yesterday, signaling that he might be picking up the pace, and the Snakes need it right now. Geraldo Perdomo kept up his hot streak as he had a hit and an RBI against the Phillies in the first game of their series.
Pitching Matchups:
Brandon Pfaadt will be ready to prove yet again why that contract extension was worth it earlier this season. Pfaadt has been lights out for Arizona, as his 5-1 record and 2.78 ERA have put him as the best starting pitching option the D-Backs have at this moment. He makes his first career regular-season start against Philadelphia, though he faced them in the 2023 NLCS as he pitched 9.2 combined innings while only allowing two runs while he struck out 16.
Apr 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona D-Backs pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Philadelphia will have Aaron Nola take the mound today, as his season has been the opposite of Pfaadt’s hot start. Nola is 0-5 on the season with a 5.40 ERA in six starts. His last outing was impressive, and the Phillies hope he can build off of it. Nola pitched seven innings and only allowed one run against the Cubs his last start.
The D-Backs play the Phillies on Saturday, May 3rd at 3:05 p.m. MST in the second game of their three-game away series at Citizens Bank Park.
May 2, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) runs home for a run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Kelly exits early, bullpen gives up lead as Diamondbacks fall to Phillies 3-2
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
