Ketel Marte's 9th-inning homer on his All-Star day wasn't enough as the D-backs fell 6-5 to the Giants on July 3. Read how the magic ran out in extras.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day that began with a coronation and ended with a gut punch. Ketel Marte, officially named the National League's starting All-Star second baseman, celebrated with a heroic, game-tying two-run blast in the bottom of the ninth. But the magic ran out in extras, as the Arizona Diamondbacks fell 6-5 to the San Francisco Giants in a painful 10-inning loss at Chase Field.
Just hours after being named a National League All-Star starter, Ketel Marte launched a game-tying, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth.
The game felt like a microcosm of the D-backs' season: moments of brilliance overshadowed by an inability to seal the deal. Starter Merrill Kelly was solid but not spectacular, grinding through six innings and allowing three runs. An early spark came from Alek Thomas, who led off the sixth with a solo homer. But heading into the bottom of the ninth trailing by two, the outlook was grim. That's when the unsung hero of the night, Geraldo Perdomo, who reached base five times, led off with a single. Two batters later, Marte stepped to the plate and delivered the kind of signature moment that defines an All-Star, sending his 18th homer of the year into the stands to tie the game 5-5. The elation was palpable but fleeting. The Giants manufactured a run in the tenth via a Patrick Bailey sacrifice fly, and the D-backs couldn't answer, ending a rollercoaster night on a low.
The silver lining, and it's a massive one, is the official recognition of Ketel Marte's incredible season. Being voted in by the fans as the NL's starting second baseman is a monumental achievement and a testament to his elite performance. He's been the engine of the offense, the leader in the clubhouse, and the team's most valuable player by a wide margin. His ninth-inning homer wasn't just a clutch hit; it was an exclamation point on his All-Star selection, proving to a national audience exactly why he deserved the honor. While the loss stings, celebrating Marte's achievement is a clear high point for the franchise this season.
The front office was also busy on Thursday, making several moves to reshape the pitching staff. In a tough but necessary move, left-hander Kyle Nelson was designated for assignment. Nelson was a key bullpen piece in 2022 but has struggled to regain his form after missing most of 2024 with Thoracic Outlet Surgery, posting an 8.47 ERA in Reno. To fill the roster spot, the team signed veteran right-hander Jake Woodford to a major league deal, hoping he can provide stability. Righty Juan Morillo was also optioned to Triple-A, continuing the ongoing search for a reliable bullpen formula.
Falling to 43-43 is a frustrating return to .500, but Thursday's ninth-inning rally was a potent reminder of this team's fight. With Marte leading the charge as a bona fide superstar, the D-backs have the heart. Now they need to string together the wins to prove it. The focus shifts to bouncing back against the Giants and building momentum before Marte heads to the Midsummer Classic.
