The Arizona Diamondbacks came into Friday night riding a five-game winning streak, but they were unable to overcome a slow start and a relentless Mariners team, falling 7-6 in 10 innings at T-Mobile Park. The loss snapped their streak and offered a reminder that the competition level in the National League West is about to become much stiffer.

Early deficit and Gallen's rough outing

Right-hander Zac Gallen struggled from the outset, allowing five runs on nine hits over five innings. The Mariners jumped on him early, scoring two in the first and adding single runs in the second, third, and fifth. Gallen's command was off, and Seattle's hitters made him pay with hard contact. The Diamondbacks managed only one run through five innings, a solo homer by Geraldo Perdomo in the third that cut the lead to 3-1.

D-backs rally in the sixth

Down 5-1 entering the sixth, the Diamondbacks mounted a four-run comeback. Jose Fernandez led off with a double, and after a walk and a single, the bases were loaded with no outs. A sacrifice fly from Corbin Carroll and a two-run double by Perdomo brought Arizona within one. An RBI single from Gabriel Moreno tied the game at 5-5, chasing Mariners starter George Kirby. Reliever Matt Brash finally stopped the rally, but the damage was done.

Mariners answer, then another comeback

Seattle quickly reclaimed the lead in the seventh when Luke Raley homered off reliever Brandon Pfaadt, making it 6-5. Pfaadt had been warming up to soak up innings with the Diamondbacks trailing, but the game had become tied by the time he entered, and he served up the go-ahead home run. Once again, Arizona refused to quit. In the ninth, Perdomo singled, Moreno singled, and Nolan Arenado — who had entered as a pinch hitter in the sixth — was hit by a 97.8 mph fastball on the back of his left arm, loading the bases. Ildemaro Vargas then hit a slow roller to the right side that first baseman Josh Naylor couldn't handle cleanly, allowing Perdomo to score and tie the game at 6-6. Arenado was replaced immediately and appeared to be in significant pain.

Extra innings and walk-off heartbreak

The Diamondbacks failed to score in the top of the 10th despite placing a runner on third with no outs. Ketel Marte moved Tommy Troy to third on a groundout, but Corbin Carroll and Geraldo Perdomo both grounded out, ending the inning. In the bottom of the 10th, reliever Juan Morillo struck out Julio Rodriguez, then intentionally walked Josh Naylor. Randy Arozarena lined a 2-2 slider into right-center field, driving in the free runner and handing the Diamondbacks a tough 7-6 loss.

Arenado expected back soon

Nolan Arenado missed his second consecutive game on Friday due to right groin tightness, but he was available off the bench and appeared as a pinch hitter in the sixth. Manager Torey Lovullo said Arenado felt much better and was expected to start Saturday's game. The veteran third baseman had been out of the lineup since exiting Tuesday's game against San Francisco with groin tightness. He underwent treatment on Thursday's off day and went through a full pregame workout Friday evening.

Rehab updates on key players

Right-hander Corbin Burnes took a significant step forward in his recovery from elbow surgery, throwing 20 pitches in a live batting practice session on Friday. Lovullo said Burnes is scheduled to face hitters again on Tuesday as he continues his progression toward a July return from the injured list. One of the hitters he faced was outfielder Jordan Lawlar, who is working back from a wrist fracture. Lawlar is expected to begin a rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League on Saturday.

First baseman Pavin Smith has shifted his rehab assignment to Triple-A Reno, where he served as a designated hitter Wednesday night, getting four at-bats. He did not play Thursday due to an illness but could return as DH Friday night. Left-hander A.J. Puk, also recovering from elbow surgery, made his second appearance in the complex league Wednesday, throwing a scoreless inning, and is scheduled to pitch again Saturday.

Context and upcoming schedule

The Diamondbacks' five-game winning streak came against the Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants, two teams well below .500. The loss to the Mariners, a competitive American League club, raises questions about whether Arizona's recent success was a product of weak opposition. By this time next week, after two more games in Seattle and a four-game homestand against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Diamondbacks will have a much clearer picture of where they truly stand. The upcoming schedule features a mix of strong and struggling teams: Saturday's game features Ryne Nelson against Bryan Woo, Sunday's matchup has Merrill Kelly facing Bryce Miller, and Monday's return to Chase Field pits Eduardo Rodriguez against the Dodgers' Emmet Sheehan.

The Diamondbacks' bullpen, which had been a strength during the win streak, faltered at key moments Friday. Brandon Pfaadt allowed the go-ahead homer in the seventh, and Juan Morillo couldn't escape the 10th. The offense, however, showed resilience by erasing deficits of four runs and one run, a positive sign as the team heads into a difficult stretch. Geraldo Perdomo had a strong night with a homer, two doubles, and three RBIs. Jose Fernandez also collected three hits, including two doubles. But the inability to score in extra innings after putting a runner on third with no outs proved costly.

The loss drops the Diamondbacks to 30-27 on the season, keeping them in the thick of the National League wild-card race. With a series in Seattle followed by a four-game set against the Dodgers, the next week will be crucial for Arizona's playoff aspirations. The Mariners improve to 32-25 and continue to lead the AL West. For the Diamondbacks, the message is clear: the competition is about to get tougher, and they will need to be sharper in all phases to keep pace.

Source: MSN News