PHOENIX – The D-Backs were steamrolled early by the Washington Nationals on Friday, as this buzz-saw offense now has four games in a row where Washington has scored more than nine runs.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Final. pic.twitter.com/BVGDx2GeKd
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 1, 2025
In what was one of the most bizarre and unusual outings for any D-Backs pitcher, Brandon Pfaadt gave up eight earned runs on six hits without even getting an out in the first inning before being pulled. Pfaadt has had a more than decent start to the season, so to see him mightily struggle on Saturday night was something out of a Twilight Zone episode.
May 31, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) on the mound during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Pfaadt spoke on Saturday night:
Brandon Pfaadt, after allowing eight runs without recording an out: ”Have to flush it and move on and do everything in my power to not let that happen again.” pic.twitter.com/kTsQ8EepPt
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) June 1, 2025
The Nationals put up 10 runs in the first inning, Scott McGough entered for Pfaadt and gave up three earned runs on three hits, which put the Snakes behind the eight ball early as it was an 11-0 lead in the second inning.
May 31, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Scott McGough (30) watches on from the bullpen during the first inning after starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) allows nine runs against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Snakes try to come alive:
Things got interesting as the rest of the way went. Arizona could have rolled over, though they scratched and clawed their way back although their efforts weren’t ultimately enough.
Things are getting very interesting in Arizona ????
After being down 11, the @Dbacks have now scored 7 unanswered runs! pic.twitter.com/1hUe0BDNap
— MLB (@MLB) June 1, 2025
It started with a Josh Naylor two-run home run in the fourth inning that got Arizona on the board, then the sixth inning the D-Backs came alive as they put up five runs highlighted by a Randal Grichuk two-run home run to make it an 11-7 ball game. D-Backs had some more opportunities including in the bottom of the eighth but their run was stymied by decisions like sending Pavin Smith home, ultimately with him getting thrown out, as the chances passed the snakes by.
May 31, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Josh Naylor (22) and infielder Geraldo Perdomo (2) celebrate after a home run by Naylor in the bottom of the fourth against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Washington is trending up while Arizona is heading south, and now the Snakes will have to try and avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon at Chase Field.
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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
