Twins lose series opener against Diamondbacks

PHOENIX, AZ (AP) — Ketel Marte hit a two-run home run in the first inning and scored the winning run with an infield hit in the seventh inning as the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Minnesota Twins 5-4 on Tuesday night.

Marte, who led the All-Star balloting as the National League’s second baseman, hit his 16th home run against Joe Ryan and then hit a slow roller to second base with two outs to break a 4-4 tie.

The Diamondbacks led 4-0 after two innings, but the Twins came back against Brandon Pfaadt. Byron Buxton, who narrowly missed Eugenio Suárez’s RBI triple off the wall in right center in the second inning, opened the Twins’ fifth inning with a home run to left center.

Ryan Jeffers tied the game and ended Pfaadt’s night with a three-run homer after a walk and an infield hit with one out in the seventh inning.

In the second half, Jorge Alcala (1-3) retired the first two batters, but walked No. 9 batter Geraldo Perdomo and Corbin Carroll’s single to center put Perdomo on third base. Marte then hit one just behind the mound and was faster than Willi Castro to first base as Perdomo crossed the plate.

Kevin Ginkel (6-1) retired two batters in the seventh inning for Arizona. Paul Sewald allowed a two-out double by Buxton in the ninth inning, but retired Jeffers for his tenth save.

In addition to the four runs, Pfaadt allowed five hits and two walks. He struck out twice.

Ryan went six innings, the 12th time in 16 starts he’s made it at least that far this season, and was struck out in 13 straight innings, allowing six hits and four runs, walking no walks and throwing five strikeouts.

TRAINING ROOM

Twins: RHP Chris Paddack was placed on the injured list due to right arm fatigue. He was scheduled to start Thursday’s game against the Diamondbacks.

“His arm hasn’t felt so good in his last few starts,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “After the two (Tommy John surgeries) and everything that comes with them, the last thing we want to do is put him out there in a vulnerable position.”

Baldelli did not name a starter for Thursday’s game. RHP Ronny Henriquez was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul to replace Paddack.

Diamondbacks: RHP Zac Gallen (right hamstring strain) played a simulated game Monday and is scheduled for a bullpen session Thursday. Manager Torey Lovullo, who is cautious, did not rule out a quick return to the rotation depending on how Thursday’s session goes. … OF Alek Thomas (left hamstring strain) is playing at Triple-A Reno as part of a rehab assignment. … C Gabriel Moreno (sprained left thumb) will see Gallen’s bullpen session Thursday, Lovullo said.

NEXT

RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (2-1, 3.26) pitches for Minnesota against Arizona RHP Ryne Nelson (5-5, 4.18) on Wednesday.