SAN DIEGO – The D-Backs square off against their divisional foe in the second game of their four-game series at Petco Park, clashing with the San Diego Padres in what could be a tone-setting game for both clubs.
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July 7, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) hits an RBI single during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Arizona has not only been relying on its stars but the bats of Geraldo Perdomo and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. In the last seven days, Perdomo has a .375 batting average while Gurriel Jr. is close behind him, batting .360. They have a combined 18 hits and nine runs and have been bringing the consistency at the plate for the Snakes. The Padres, meanwhile, are at a crossroads. Despite one of MLB’s most talented rosters on paper, they’ve struggled to string together wins.
Toeing the rubber on Tuesday night:
Merrill Kelly will be getting the start for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kelly has a 7-4 record with a 3.55 ERA on the season and has been stable on the road as well with a 4-1 record and 3.69 ERA. He has been hit around in his last three outings as he has pitched at least five innings in each start but has allowed a combined 17 hits and 11 earned runs.
Jun 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Nick Pivetta is on the mound, and has been sturdy for San Diego, especially at home. Pivetta has a 6-0 record and a 2.55 ERA at Petco Park this season, and his last outing against the D-Backs back on June 15th, Pivetta pitched seven innings and only allowed two earned runs on two hits.
Tonight’s plans.https://t.co/epBmrbYHsx is 50% off through Sunday. pic.twitter.com/ht6mspMPzw
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 8, 2025
Both ball clubs are sitting within striking distance of a Wild Card spot, and the stakes as the season moves on are unmistakably high. Arizona will look to stay aggressive and not let up against San Diego, while the Padres are desperate to reassert themselves as postseason contenders before the trade deadline looms. With stars on both sides and playoff implications hanging in the balance, expect intensity from the first pitch to the final out. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. PT
Jul 7, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor (22) is congratulated by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (12) after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
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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
