Adrian Del Castillo drove in five runs, including a tiebreaking two-run homer in the 10th inning, to help the Arizona Diamondbacks defeat the Baltimore Orioles 8-5 in 10 innings at Camden Yards. The victory completed a successful nine-game road trip with a 6-3 record for Arizona. Del Castillo also notched his first career triple in the game.
BALTIMORE -- Adrian Del Castillo stepped up amid injuries to the Diamondbacks' catching corps, catching in half of his first six starts this season due to Gabriel Moreno's strained left oblique. On Wednesday afternoon, he delivered with a third-inning triple off Kyle Bradish -- his first career three-bagger -- and an RBI groundout in the seventh to briefly restore Arizona's lead at 5-4. His go-ahead homer off Tyler Wells in the 10th proved decisive, as he finished with five RBIs on a six-game hit streak producing 10 runs batted in total. Del Castillo said, “I kinda like it,” referring to catching, adding that it helps him stay engaged even after outs at the plate. Manager Torey Lovullo praised the team's winning attitude: “There’s good leadership on this team. There’s a good culture. The leaders carry the torch here. Corbin Carroll contributed with two doubles and two runs scored, shaking off a hip flexor issue to play five straight games. Ildemaro Vargas extended his franchise-record season-opening hit streak to 12 games with a bunt single in the second. Pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez allowed four runs over five innings but maintained a 1.96 ERA through four starts, despite fastball command issues. Ryan Thompson pitched a perfect ninth for the win, his first of the season, while Juan Morillo earned his second career save by retiring the side in the 10th. The Diamondbacks, now 11-8, improved to 6-2 in day games and 3-0 in rubber matches. Del Castillo noted the clubhouse mood: “Definitely happy, but not content.” Arizona returns home for an off-day before facing the Blue Jays on Friday.
