Marlins beat Diamondbacks in extra innings, dealing major blow to Arizona's playoff hopes

Wasted chances

The Arizona Diamondbacks lost 4-2 in 11 innings to the Miami Marlins at home in Phoenix on Tuesday, Sept. 15, missing a chance to gain ground in the playoff race. Arizona's pitching allowed just one run through the first ten innings — starter Michael Soroka gave up only one earned run over five innings while striking out six, and the bullpen followed with five scoreless innings. The offense, however, could not capitalize: the Diamondbacks left 15 runners on base and went just 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position.

Both teams scored via solo home runs through the first nine innings. Gabriel Moreno opened the scoring in the first inning with a 431-foot homer, his 14th of the season, before Miami's Griffin Conine tied it in the fourth.

Controversial play at the plate

In the 10th inning, Arizona had runners on second and third with one out when Ryan Waldschmidt hit a check-swing roller up the middle. Marlins second baseman Jared Serna threw home, where catcher Brian Navarreto — legally blocking the plate, as infielders were playing in — tagged out Geraldo Perdomo. Manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the Marlins played within the rules.

Miami breaks through in the 11th

Miami loaded the bases on two walks in the 11th before Esteury Ruiz delivered a bases-clearing, three-run double off reliever Taylor Clarke, scoring Otto Lopez, Jared Serna and Kyle Stowers. Josh Ekness earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief. Arizona answered with an RBI double from Ketel Marte to cut the deficit, but Moreno grounded out to end the game at 4-2.

Standings impact

The loss leaves the Diamondbacks (80-72) 2 1/2 games back of the final National League wild-card spot with ten games remaining. The San Diego Padres also lost that night, snapping an eight-game winning streak — according to TSN, against Colorado — but Arizona failed to take advantage. FanGraphs currently gives the Diamondbacks a 28.2% chance of reaching the postseason.

"It hurts," Soroka said after the game. "I think you guys can feel that. We all felt it. It was a hard-fought game." Lovullo added: "We knew the circumstances. It hurts, and there's nothing we can do about it. We've got to look forward."

Third baseman Nolan Arenado left the game early with right thumb inflammation but is expected back in Wednesday's lineup. The Diamondbacks also activated outfielder Jesus Sanchez, claimed off waivers from Toronto, who started against his former team, the Marlins. Arizona sends Merrill Kelly to the mound Wednesday against Miami's Ryan Gusto in the series finale.