Particle.news

Martinez's Immaculate Inning Powers D-backs to 9-1 Win, Keeps Wild-Card Chase Tight

Justin Martinez’s nine-pitch, three-strikeout frame spotlights his scoreless return from Tommy John surgery and adds late-inning depth as Arizona stays close in the NL wild-card race.

Overview

  • The Diamondbacks routed the Texas Rangers 9-1 on Friday after a nine-run surge across the fifth and sixth innings that turned a 1-0 game into a rout.
  • Reliever Justin Martinez threw an immaculate inning in the sixth, striking out Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter and Jake Burger on nine pitches, a feat that was the franchise’s fifth and its second this season.
  • Martinez has not allowed a run since rejoining the club following Tommy John surgery, compiling multiple scoreless outings that strengthen Arizona’s late-inning options.
  • Corbin Carroll returned after an MRI cleared his lower back and hit his 20th homer, and starter Merrill Kelly was lifted after 4.1 innings, creating short-term rotation and roster decisions as several pitchers rejoin the staff.
  • The win left Arizona a half-game back of San Diego for the final NL wild-card spot and sets up a likely season-deciding series with the Padres while pressuring the D-backs to make late roster moves that balance starting depth and bullpen roles.