Super-Sub Corbin Carroll Smashes 2-Run Homer in 9th, D-backs Stun Nationals 9-8

The Arizona Diamondbacks defied the odds on Monday night, achieving a dramatic comeback to defeat the Washington Nationals 9-8. Corbin Carroll, pinch-hitting, launched a stunning home run with one out in the bottom of the ninth to complete a five-run rally that saw Arizona overturn an 8-4 deficit.

Entering the ninth inning, the Diamondbacks were down 8-4. Geraldo Perdomo’s RBI single began the comeback, driving in Alek Thomas. Ketel Marte then hit a two-run homer off Washington closer Kyle Finnegan, narrowing the score.

“We’ve been saying it all year — we’re never out of the game,” Carroll stated. “It’s not over until it’s over, and we’ve been putting together some really great late-game at-bats, and it’s been paying off.”

Following Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s single, Carroll sent Finnegan’s splitter soaring over the right-center fence, igniting fervent celebrations from the Arizona crowd. This marked Finnegan’s fifth blown save of the season out of 33 opportunities.

“Just wasn’t able to get it done tonight,” Finnegan admitted. “I was ahead of every guy I faced — just wasn’t able to put them away.”

Washington initially dominated, with C.J. Abrams and Alex Call leading a six-batter streak that earned a 5-0 lead. Call, promoted just the day before from Triple-A Rochester, hit a three-run homer.

The Nationals extended their lead to 6-0 in the second inning, courtesy of Harold Ramírez’s RBI single. Both Call and Keibert Ruiz were instrumental, alongside four other Nationals, each securing two hits.

Arizona’s starting pitcher, Jordan Montgomery, faced another challenging outing. His ERA climbed to 6.51 after he allowed six runs on nine hits over four innings, with three walks and one strikeout.

Despite falling behind 8-2 by the sixth inning, the D-backs clawed back, cutting the margin to 8-4 by the eighth. Eugenio Suarez nearly made it an even tighter game, but his flyout was caught on the warning track.

Joe Mantiply earned the win for Arizona by pitching a scoreless ninth inning, further sealing the improbable victory.

Making Moves

The Diamondbacks promoted RHP Slade Cecconi and reassigned RHP Yilber Diaz to Triple-A Reno. With some of the team’s key pitchers nearing return from the injured list, Cecconi will operate from the bullpen.

Trainer’s Room

D-backs’ 1B Christian Walker exited the game early with left oblique tightness.

Roster Changes

The Nationals traded outfielder Lane Thomas to the Cleveland Guardians for three prospects, hoping to bolster their future as they fade from the playoff race.

Up Next

Arizona will start RHP Ryne Nelson (7-6, 4.85 ERA) against Washington’s LHP Patrick Corbin (2-10, 5.26 ERA) on Tuesday night.

AP MLB

Arizona Sports

Phoenix is home to the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), and Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB). Other sports teams include the Arizona Rattlers (Indoor Football League) and Phoenix Rising FC (USL).

The Valley hosts major events like the Fiesta Bowl, WM Phoenix Open, and NASCAR’s Championship Weekend.