Arizona Diamondbacks Fight to End Losing Streak in Padres Clash

Arizona Diamondbacks entered Thursday’s game at Petco Park needing a win to halt a two‑game slide, sitting 11th in the National League with a 45-47 record. The team fell 10-4 to the San Diego Padres on July 9, 2026, and hopes the next outing will spark a turnaround.

Can Arizona’s Starting Pitchers Keep the Padres Off Balance?

Merrill Kelly took the mound for the Diamondbacks, bringing a career 3.92 ERA and a 1.226 WHIP into the matchup. Opposite him, Griffin Canning started for San Diego. Kelly’s ability to limit hits—averaging 8.3 per nine innings—could be the difference in a game where both clubs have struggled to generate offense. The Diamondbacks’ bullpen, which has a 69.7% save conversion rate, will need to protect any lead Kelly can build.

How Does Arizona’s Offense Stack Up Against San Diego?

Arizona’s lineup has produced a .236 team batting average and 4.2 runs per game, ranking 20th in the league. The squad logged 154 doubles and 82 homers this season, but a slugging percentage of .383 shows limited power. Meanwhile, the Padres sit at a .371 SLG and score 3.87 runs per game, placing them near the bottom of the NL. The Diamondbacks must capitalize on the few extra‑base hits they generate to keep the game close.

What Do the Fielding Numbers Reveal?

Defensively, the Diamondbacks rank third in the majors with a .989 fielding percentage, turning 75 double plays and committing just 34 errors. Their ability to convert 71.3% of balls in play into outs gives them a solid foundation, but any miscue could prove costly against a Padres lineup that has struck out 769 times this year.

What’s at Stake for Arizona Moving Forward?

A win would lift the Diamondbacks off the bottom of the NL standings and provide momentum heading into the next series. A loss extends the losing streak and deepens the gap between Phoenix and the playoff picture. With the team’s ERA sitting at 4.24 and a FIP of 4.48, every run saved matters. The upcoming game against San Diego on the same day will be a litmus test for both the rotation and the bullpen.

Who Should Fans Keep an Eye On?

Keep tabs on Kelly’s strikeout ability—he’s logged 964 career strikeouts—and the performance of the Diamondbacks’ relievers, who have recorded 49 holds this season. On the Padres side, their pitching staff’s 13th‑best strikeout total (769) could tilt the balance if they can keep Arizona’s hitters off the bases.

The Diamondbacks head into the night with a clear objective: break the two‑game skid and prove their defense and pitching can hold up against a struggling Padres offense.