D-Backs down Padres
The playoffs may be out of reach, but the win guarantees a winning season for Arizona
SAN DIEGO — After a brutal collapse in September, the Arizona Diamondbacks were left with the consolation prize of finishing the season with a winning record.
Rookie Ildemaro Vargas hit his first home run, got his first stolen base and drove in three runs to lead the Diamondbacks to a 5-4 victory against the San Diego Padres on Saturday night.
The Diamondbacks, who reached the postseason in 2017, are 82-79 with one game to go. They led the NL West heading into September but then went into a tailspin that left them 8-18 this month.
“I think that is something,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “When it’s all said and done after the month that we had, it is really positive and a good way to finish.”
Vargas hit an RBI single in the first inning and a two-run homer in the fourth, both off rookie Jacob Nix (2-5).
“I’m so happy,” the 27-year-old Vargas said. “My teammates from Venezuela were so happy and they support me. I’m happy and they are happy.”
Vargas was called up Sept. 3 from Triple-A Reno, where he was a mid-season and postseason All-Star. He made his big league debut last season, when he played in 12 games for Arizona.
Vargas’ homer staked Zack Godley to a 4-0 lead and the Diamondbacks held
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS’ ILDEMARO
on to give the right-hander his career-high 15th win.
“Anytime you are talking about career first it’s an exciting time,” Lovullo said. “I think the guys gave him the silent treatment but it is something that he will never forget. And it had a big impact on the game. The home run didn’t surprise any of us because we have watched him play the past couple of years. It’s a special time for him and he’s one of those great stories.”
San Diego dropped to 6596, five more losses than last year with one game to go. Executive chairman Ron Fowler expected the rebuilding Padres to be better this year than their 71-91 finish last year, but they’ve lost more than 90 games for