PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 5-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals ended with one of the game’s biggest talking points: Ketel Marte’s decision not to challenge the final pitch.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The All-Star addressed the moment after Friday night’s game.
Jun 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The sequence came on the final pitch of the matchup, when Marte was called out on strikes for the final out in the bottom of the ninth inning. The pitch appeared to be above the strike zone, and despite Arizona still having both of its automated ball-strike (ABS) challenges available, Marte opted not to use either and walked away as the Cardinals celebrated.
After the game, Marte said he was caught off guard by the offering.
“I was looking for a breaking ball, I got the two-seamer,” Marte said through a team translator. “So, I was a little bit surprised.”
Ketel Marte explains why he did not challenge the final pitch of Friday’s game against the Cardinals and what happened on his early error: pic.twitter.com/d92LM0xk5E
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) July 18, 2026
Jun 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte against the Minnesota Twins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In a game decided by one run, with the D-Backs’ final out at the plate and the tying run already in scoring position, many were left wondering why the second baseman didn’t use one of their two remaining challenges. A successful challenge would have turned the count full and given Marte another opportunity to keep the inning alive.
That’s what makes Friday night’s loss sting even more.
May 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) hits against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
No single loss will determine Arizona’s postseason fate. But if the Diamondbacks find themselves on the outside looking in when the regular season ends, many will look back at games like this one and wonder how different things could have been if just one play — or one challenge — had gone differently.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Ketel Marte’s choice on the final pitch against Cardinals leaves Diamondbacks fans stunned
