Arizona Diamondbacks Turn Corner with Merrill Kelly Win Over Padres

Arizona Diamondbacks halted a three‑game skid with a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on July 10, 2026, thanks to a seven‑inning gem from right‑hander Merrill Kelly. The win moved the club to a 46-47 record, placing them 10th in the National League and starting a one‑game winning streak.

How did the Diamondbacks secure the win?

The D‑backs fell behind 1-0 after Manny Machado’s solo homer in the second inning, but a wild pitch in the fourth allowed Nolan Arenado to reach base and set up the offense. Geraldo Perdomo drove in Tommy Troy with a single in the fifth, and Arenado answered with a solo shot in the sixth, both coming with two outs. Paul Sewald closed the game, recording his 21st save on just ten pitches.

What did Merrill Kelly do differently?

Kelly needed 35 pitches to finish the first two innings, then settled into a rhythm, delivering three consecutive 1‑2‑3 frames. He struck out five San Diego batters, allowed only two hits, and limited the Padres to one earned run. The right‑hander walked three, keeping his walk rate at 3.6 per nine innings, a career‑high pace, but his 94‑pitch line—seven innings, three hits, one run, three walks, six strikeouts—marked his best outing since the May 15 complete game against Colorado.

Which players contributed beyond the starters?

Catcher Gabriel Moreno kept his streak alive, logging a hit in every game at Petco Park and going 7‑for‑16 this series. Right‑fielder Corbin Carroll managed a single‑turned‑double in the fourth, though a replay overturned the hit after a foot‑off‑base violation. Despite a .143 month at the plate, Carroll’s season average sits at .261.

What’s next for the Diamondbacks?

The club heads to Los Angeles to open a three‑game set against the Dodgers, with first‑time All‑Star Eduardo Rodriguez (2.25 ERA) slated to face Shohei Ohtani (1.79 ERA). The opening pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. MST, and fans can follow the action on 98.7 FM or the Arizona Sports app.

How does this affect the Wild Card race?

Arizona’s 46‑47 record keeps them tied with the Padres for the fifth‑place spot, five and a half games behind the Cubs and Phillies leaders. The win narrows the gap to the Pirates and Nationals, but the club still trails the Cardinals by three games. Every series now feels like a must‑win to stay in contention.