D-backs lose a heartbreaker 3-1 to the Astros on July 22, 2025, as the bullpen wastes a gem from Eduardo Rodriguez. Read how the late-inning collapse unfolded.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a script Diamondbacks fans have seen too many times. A brilliant starting pitching performance, a razor-thin lead, and then, heartbreak. Eduardo Rodriguez was nearly untouchable Tuesday night, but his masterpiece was erased in the late innings as the bullpen surrendered three runs, sending the D-backs to a crushing 3-1 defeat against the Houston Astros and dropping them to a 50-51 record on the season.
Eduardo Rodriguez's final line: 6.1 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K.
For six innings, Eduardo Rodriguez was in complete control, silencing the Astros' bats and keeping the game scoreless. The D-backs finally broke through in the fifth when a Randal Grichuk double was followed by a perfect bunt single from Geraldo Perdomo, setting up Blaze Alexander for a run-scoring groundout. The 1-0 lead felt monumental. But the game turned in the eighth when reliever Jake Woodford served up a two-run homer to Brice Matthews. An insurance run for Houston in the ninth on a wild pitch sealed Arizona's fate. The offense had one last gasp, loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth, but a strikeout and a game-ending double play off the bat of Jose Herrera slammed the door shut. The loss overshadowed some spectacular defense, including a sliding grab by Corbin Carroll and a slick glove-flip from Ketel Marte that had the crowd buzzing.
Falling below the .500 mark at this stage of the season is a significant blow. Now sitting at 50-51 and 4th in the NL West, the path to the postseason is getting steeper. The analytics reflect the challenge, with the team's playoff odds dipping to just 13.1%. While not impossible, games like this—where a win was within their grasp—are the ones that sting the most. Every missed opportunity feels magnified as the calendar flips closer to August.
As the team struggles for consistency, the front office remained silent on Wednesday. There were no trades, roster moves, or even minor league promotions to speak of. While stability can be a good thing, the team's performance, particularly the bullpen's late-game struggles, might force General Manager Mike Hazen's hand as the trade deadline looms. For now, the roster that took the field Tuesday is the one that will be tasked with turning things around.
The Diamondbacks have no time to dwell on this tough loss. They send Brandon Pfaadt to the mound for the series finale on Wednesday in a crucial rubber match. It’s more than just a chance to win a series against a quality opponent; it's a chance to immediately climb back to .500 and prove that this team has the resilience to fight for a playoff spot. A bounce-back performance is not just wanted, it's needed.
