The Orioles' visit to Arizona ended as it has been for much of their early season: with more questions than answers. This time, the Diamondbacks showed no mercy and won 9-0 in a game that was decided early on. Brandon Pfaadt shined from the mound, Corbin Carroll once again punished with his bat and Arizona's offense responded at key moments. Baltimore, on the other hand, continues to be mired in a crisis that seems to have no end in sight.
Pfaadt Rules From the Hill
Brandon Pfaadt turned in a solid performance that paced the game. For six complete innings he allowed no runs and limited the Orioles to just four hits. His control was key: he gave up just two walks and struck out three. Although he didn't need to dominate with strikeouts, his ability to bunt at important moments kept Baltimore off the scoreboard.
The key moment for Pfaadt came in the second and sixth innings, when with runners on base he forced the Orioles to hit into a double play, snuffing out any attempted threat. In particular, the double play in the sixth stopped a situation in which Baltimore had two on base and appeared to have a chance to get closer.
The defense also responded well behind the starter. The D-backs played error-free and helped Pfaadt get out of the game unscathed, while the bullpen completed the job without complications in the final three innings.
Carroll Still On Fire With El Madero
Corbin Carroll, the National League Rookie of the Year last season, is proving that his sophomore year will not be one of regression. The outfielder hit his second home run in consecutive nights and now has five in just 13 games of the campaign.
His hit in the third inning was a solo home run that increased Arizona's lead to 2-0. It was a powerful line drive over the fence between right and center field, just short of the 413-foot sign. Carroll has become a key piece to the D-backs' starter and is responding with power and consistency.
Later in the game, he also hit a single, making it clear that he does not rely exclusively on the long hit. His impact is constant in every at-bat and he represents a real threat every time he stands in the box.
Fifth Explosive Entry
If the game already seemed to be leaning to the home side, the fifth inning ended the game. In that episode, Arizona scored five runs that left the Orioles with no options. Pavin Smith opened the account with a two-run home run that fell into the Chase Field pool, and immediately Josh Naylor joined the party with his first home run of the season.
That moment marked the departure of starter Dean Kremer, who once again failed to complete five innings. He allowed six runs and eight hits, leaving his team in a difficult situation early on.
The offense didn't stop there. After a ground ball to Alek Thomas and a double by Jake McCarthy, freshman Tim Tawa connected on a two-run single that increased the deficit to 7-0. For Tawa, it was a special moment, contributing to the team on a day where every at-bat seemed to have consequences.
Another Unresponsive Night for the Orioles
Baltimore again showed the same problems that have haunted them since the beginning of the season. The offense was almost invisible, limiting them to four singles all game and squandering their few opportunities with runners on base. The rally they attempted in the fourth inning fell apart with a bad decision on the bases and an unlucky line drive.
In addition, the defense made mental mistakes, such as a failed steal attempt at a key moment and a double kill that killed any chance of reaction. The team accumulated 16 double plays in just 13 games, an alarming figure that contrasts with what they were last season.
From the mound, things did not improve with the reliever's entrance either. Cionel Perez allowed another run and again evidenced the depth problems in the bullpen. Although he was able to close the sixth inning without damage, his control failed again and his effectiveness is still too high for a reliable reliever.
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Perdomo And Naylor Seal The Beat And Now All We Have To Do Is Look To The Future
In the eighth inning, Arizona rounded off its perfect night with a solo home run by Geraldo Perdomo and another single by Josh Naylor, who finished a very productive day. Those two hits made the final score 9-0 and confirmed the absolute dominance of the D-backs in this series finale.
The shutout was completed with scoreless innings from the Arizona bullpen, which kept a completely shut down Baltimore team in check. The Orioles lineup simply did not respond at any point in the game.
After this tough loss, the Orioles return home hoping to turn things around. They will have a day off before hosting the Toronto Blue Jays in a series that could mark a turning point, although the starting pitchers have not yet been announced.
The Diamondbacks will also rest before facing the Milwaukee Brewers. Eduardo Rodríguez will be in charge of opening the first game of this new series for Arizona, which will be looking to maintain the good rhythm shown against Baltimore.
The truth is that, while one seems to be finding his form at the start of the season, the other is sinking in doubts and needs answers urgently.
