D-backs fall to Marlins 9-8 on June 28, 2025, in a slugfest. Despite a Josh Naylor HR, a costly error by Geraldo Perdomo sealed the heartbreaking loss.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a wild Saturday night at Chase Field, the kind of game that leaves you breathless and heartbroken all at once. The Diamondbacks and Marlins traded blows like heavyweight fighters, putting up a combined 17 runs, but in the end, a few critical defensive stumbles cost Arizona dearly as they fell 9-8 in a nail-biter.
For all the offensive fireworks, the game was ultimately decided in the dirt and on the grass, where a single misstep proved fatal.
This was a game of relentless offense. Every time the D-backs seemed to grab momentum, the Marlins punched right back, led by Otto Lopez who tormented Arizona pitching with three hits and three RBIs. The game saw multiple lead changes, but the turning point came on a play that will haunt the infield. A grounder from Lopez turned into a run for Miami thanks to a costly fielding error by shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. In a one-run game, those are the moments that sting the most, overshadowing an otherwise valiant offensive effort that saw the team nearly complete a late-inning comeback.
Despite the frustrating outcome, there were flashes of brilliance. First baseman Josh Naylor continued to be a force in the middle of the order, launching a solo home run that sent a jolt through the crowd. His power is becoming a reliable weapon for this team. Out in the field, Jake McCarthy provided the defensive play of the night, soaring through the air to make a spectacular leaping grab, robbing Jesús Sánchez of extra bases. It was a highlight-reel moment that reminded everyone of the incredible athleticism on this roster, even on a tough night.
The D-backs have to shake this one off quickly. The offense is clearly clicking, but you can't win these tight slugfests by giving away runs. Cleaning up the defense will be priority number one as they head into the series finale, looking to salvage a win and build on the positive takeaways from a night of explosive, if ultimately frustrating, baseball.
