In what can only be described as a nightmare weekend for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team not only lost a three-game series to the lowly Washington Nationals but also saw star infielder Ketel Marte go down with a serious injury. The series, which took place at Chase Field, was a brutal blow to a Diamondbacks team that had been riding high earlier in the season.
The first game of the series set the tone for what would become a disappointing few days for the Diamondbacks. Arizona was unable to capitalize on an early lead, eventually losing 6-4. Nationals starter Josiah Gray kept the Diamondbacks’ hitters off balance all night, and despite a late rally, the D-backs fell short. Errors in the field, especially a costly misplay by shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, added to the frustration.
Game two saw an even worse outcome. Washington’s offense erupted for a 9-2 victory, with Diamondbacks pitchers unable to contain the Nationals’ batters. Zac Gallen, who had been one of the most consistent pitchers for Arizona, was hit hard, allowing five earned runs in just five innings. The bullpen didn’t fare much better, surrendering four additional runs after Gallen’s departure.
However, the most significant blow came late in the game when Marte was forced to leave the field after pulling up awkwardly while attempting to make a play in the field. The injury occurred in the top of the seventh inning, and Marte immediately grabbed his hamstring, signaling to the dugout that he needed to come out. The loss of the Diamondbacks’ MVP candidate, who has been instrumental both offensively and defensively, left a cloud over the rest of the game.
By the time Sunday rolled around, the Diamondbacks were hoping to salvage some pride in the series finale, but things only got worse. After a decent start by pitcher Merrill Kelly, the Diamondbacks were shut down offensively by Nationals’ starter Patrick Corbin, who tossed a complete game shutout in a 4-0 victory. The Diamondbacks’ bats were nowhere to be found, going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, which led to their third consecutive loss of the series.
As if the team’s performance wasn’t disheartening enough, news of Marte’s injury continued to worsen. Early reports from the team’s medical staff indicated that the infielder had sustained a hamstring strain, with further imaging tests scheduled for the following day. The Diamondbacks are holding their breath, hoping that the injury won’t require a lengthy stint on the injured list, but the outlook remains uncertain.
Marte’s potential absence is a devastating blow for the Diamondbacks, who have been riding the middle of the pack in the competitive NL West. His versatility and ability to bat both for average and power have made him a central figure in the team’s lineup. If he’s forced to miss significant time, it could derail the team’s aspirations of staying in the playoff hunt.
The team’s overall performance in this series left fans questioning the team’s resilience and mental fortitude. The Diamondbacks were hoping for a bounce-back season, but the inconsistency shown throughout the weekend, paired with Marte’s injury, casts a shadow over their future plans. With a tough stretch of games ahead, the Diamondbacks will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their season and remain relevant in the NL playoff race.
