D-backs beat Padres 7-6, nail runner at plate for final out

PHOENIX (AP) — Speedy Padres pinch runner Jorge Mateo was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first base on a single to end the game, and the Arizona Diamondbacks held off San Diego 7-6 on Saturday night.

The Padres nearly completed a late rally after trailing 7-1. San Diego scored twice in the eighth, then three more times in the ninth off Archie Bradley to set up the thrilling final play.

With two outs, Mateo got a head start by trying to steal second when Jurickson Profar lined a single through the infield. Center fielder Starling Marte quickly made the relay to second baseman Ketel Marte, who made a perfect throw to catcher Carson Kelly for the tag.

“Those are the beautiful plays of baseball,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. "The highs and lows, the heart-stopping moments turn into celebrations instantly. We're all adrenaline junkies, no doubt about it.

“There was collective roar in the dugout, a couple fist pumps. We won the game.”

Mateo once stole 82 bases in a minor league season. The 25-year-old rookie has 283 career steals in the minors. Third base coach Glenn Hoffman never hesitated to send Mateo and force the Diamondbacks to make a play.

Padres manager Jayce Tingler thought Mateo might have beat the throw but, after a review, the umpires confirmed the final out.

“I’m really happy to see the guys continue to fight, make it down to an inch or two there at the very end," Tingler said. "It took a really good relay throw to do it. Mateo was busting up from the get-go, got around there quick. I thought it was a good roll of the dice.”

The Diamondbacks continued their recent run of good baseball, winning their third straight and for the seventh time in 10 games. Arizona got 14 hits, including three singles by both David Peralta and...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/D-backs-beat-Padres-7-6-nail-runner-at-plate-for-15487243.php