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The Arizona Diamondbacks (80-79) travel to San Diego Friday night to face the Padres (87-72) at PETCO Park, with Geraldo Perdomo needing just one RBI to reach 99 for the season. Despite playing on the road, this matchup presents a solid opportunity for Arizona to continue their push toward finishing above .500.
Game Information
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET / 6:40 p.m. local
Location: PETCO Park, San Diego
TV Coverage: San Diego Padres Audio, Arizona Sports (ARID)
Betting Lines: Padres -146, Diamondbacks +122
Run Total: 7.5 runs
Spread: Padres -1.5
Pitching Matchup: Darvish vs Gallen
Yu Darvish Takes the Ball for San Diego
Yu Darvish gets his 15th start of the season with a 4-5 record and concerning 5.51 ERA. His 64 strikeouts in 67⅔ innings show he still has stuff, but consistency has been an issue. Facing Arizona’s potent offense won’t be easy.
The veteran right-hander needs to find his form quickly if San Diego wants to secure this home victory.
Zac Gallen Looks to Build on Strong Season
Zac Gallen takes the mound for his 33rd start carrying a 13-14 record that doesn’t reflect his overall contributions. The right-hander has been Arizona’s most reliable starter, and this road matchup gives him another chance to showcase his abilities.
Gallen’s experience against NL West opponents should serve him well in this crucial late-season contest.
Diamondbacks Offense: Desert Power on Display
Geraldo Perdomo’s Milestone Chase
Perdomo enters Friday with 98 RBIs and a team-leading .289 batting average. Reaching 99 RBIs would cap off what’s been an excellent season for the infielder. His development into a consistent run producer has been encouraging for Arizona’s future.
Corbin Carroll Provides Dynamic Threat
Corbin Carroll leads the team with 31 home runs, bringing the speed-power combination that makes him Arizona’s most exciting offensive weapon. Playing at PETCO Park, which can favor power hitters, should give him opportunities to add to that total.
Supporting Cast Contributes
Ketel Marte adds 26 home runs while batting .283, and Gabriel Moreno provides steady contact at .284. This Diamondbacks offense ranks 4th in baseball with 782 runs scored, proving they can compete with anyone offensively.
Padres Looking to Protect Home Field
Star Power Throughout Lineup
Manny Machado leads San Diego with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs while batting .273. Fernando Tatis Jr. contributes 156 hits with solid production, while Luis Arraez paces the team with a .288 batting average.
Ramon Laureano adds depth with 124 hits and a .512 slugging percentage, giving the Padres multiple offensive threats.
Contact-Heavy Approach
The Padres emphasize making contact, striking out just 7.2 times per game (3rd in MLB) with a .252 team batting average (7th). This approach should be effective against Arizona’s pitching staff.
Key Statistical Comparison
Arizona holds a significant offensive edge:
- Runs scored: Diamondbacks 782 vs Padres 678
- Home runs: Diamondbacks 210 vs Padres 147
- Team batting average: Both teams at .251-.252
However, San Diego’s pitching staff provides a major advantage with their 3.65 ERA (3rd in MLB) compared to Arizona’s 4.44 (23rd).
Betting Analysis
The Diamondbacks have performed well as underdogs this season, going 34-69 (49.3%). When facing odds of +122 or higher, they’ve gone 17-11 – an impressive 60.7% success rate that suggests they compete better when expectations are lowered.
San Diego has been solid as favorites at 52-37 (58.4%), though not overwhelming.
The 7.5-run total seems reasonable given Arizona’s offensive firepower and questions about both starting pitchers.
Key Injuries
Padres: Ramon Laureano is day-to-day with a finger issue, while several pitchers remain on various IL stints.
Diamondbacks: Long-term losses like Corbin Burnes continue to impact pitching depth, though the offense remains healthy.
Game Prediction
Final Score: Diamondbacks 6, Padres 4
Total: Over 7.5 runs
Arizona’s strong performance as underdogs at these odds (+122 or higher at 60.7%) creates value, especially with their superior offensive numbers. Gallen should provide enough quality innings to keep pace with Darvish, who’s struggled with consistency.
The Diamondbacks’ desperate push to finish above .500 provides additional motivation against a Padres team that’s already secured their playoff positioning. Sometimes teams with nothing to lose can surprise superior opponents on the road.
Both offenses should find success, particularly Arizona against San Diego’s suspect pitching depth, making this an entertaining offensive showcase that goes over the total.
Go D-backs!
