The Arizona Diamondbacks return to Chase Field on April 9, 2025, looking to close out their home series against the Baltimore Orioles with a much-needed win that could balance their record and build early momentum. At 5-6, the D-backs have been navigating the early part of the season with a mixture of encouraging individual performances and frustrating inconsistencies, particularly when it comes to converting scoring opportunities and protecting leads. Offensively, they’ve received valuable production from Corbin Carroll, who’s batting .304 and consistently putting pressure on opposing pitchers with his speed and contact skills. Veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez has provided the power, leading the team with 5 home runs and giving Arizona a much-needed middle-of-the-order threat. Meanwhile, Geraldo Perdomo has quietly been one of the more effective run producers on the roster, tallying a team-leading 12 RBIs and showing a knack for delivering in situational at-bats. Despite this trio’s contributions, the Diamondbacks have struggled to string together consistent offense across all nine innings, leaving them vulnerable in close games—especially when the pitching staff can’t keep the score tight. On the mound, Brandon Pfaadt will get the start, and he enters with a 1-1 record and a 5.25 ERA, numbers that underscore his up-and-down outings so far this season. Pfaadt has the tools to be a solid middle-rotation option—he’s shown the ability to miss bats and pitch to weak contact—but he’s also been susceptible to the long ball and occasional command lapses, especially when working deep into counts.

He’ll need to stay ahead of hitters and use his breaking stuff more effectively to navigate a Baltimore lineup that, while inconsistent, features hot bats like Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle. The D-backs’ bullpen has also been a rollercoaster—some outings have showcased its ability to hold leads under pressure, but just as often, relievers have allowed critical runs in the seventh and eighth innings that have flipped winnable games. That lack of bullpen stability has been a recurring theme for Arizona, and it’s one that will need to improve quickly if they hope to remain competitive in a loaded National League. Their 5-3 ATS record this season suggests that they’ve often played above market expectations, especially at home, where they’ve found ways to grind out wins despite not always being dominant. Defensively, the Diamondbacks have been mostly sound, but situational breakdowns—poor relay throws, misjudged fly balls, and missed double play opportunities—have occasionally allowed innings to spiral out of control. Cleaning up those mistakes will be key against a Baltimore team that can manufacture offense in short bursts. With the Chase Field crowd behind them, the D-backs must lean into their home-field energy, play aggressively on the basepaths, and set the tone early with strong at-bats in the first few innings. A quality start from Pfaadt and clean late-inning execution could help Arizona end this homestand on a high note. If their offense can stay locked in and avoid the cold stretches that have plagued previous games, the Diamondbacks are well-positioned to not only grab a win but also shift the momentum of their season in a more positive direction. For a team that knows the margin for error is slim in a hyper-competitive NL West, this game presents a valuable opportunity to assert control, balance their record, and build some early-season identity on home turf.