Full Breakdown
Diamondbacks Defeat Cardinals 10-6 in Makeup Game Amidst Ketel Marte Scratch
7/24/2026, 1:37:15 PM
Core Event: Thursday’s Makeup Game
On Thursday, July 23, 2026, the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 10-6 in a makeup contest that had been postponed by weather earlier in the season. The Cardinals jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on hits by Jordan Walker, Alec Burleson and Lars Nootbaar. Arizona responded in the fourth inning, taking a 3-2 lead after Tyler Locklear’s 86 mph change-up landed over the left-field foul pole. The Diamondbacks extended the margin with a two-run sacrifice fly by Gabriel Moreno in the fifth and a series of singles and walks that pushed the lead to 9-2 by the eighth. A late-inning rally gave St. Louis four runs, but the final tally remained 10-6.
Background & Context
The Thursday game was a makeup for a rain-out that had occurred weeks earlier, turning what was expected to be a routine off-day for St. Louis into a pivotal matchup in the National League Wild Card race. The contest also unfolded without Arizona’s everyday second baseman Ketel Marte, who was scratched because of back stiffness.
Lineup Adjustments Due to Marte’s Absence
Marte’s back issue forced the Diamondbacks to reshuffle their defensive alignment. First baseman Tyler Locklear moved into the starting lineup at first base, Tim Tawa shifted from first to third base, and Ildemaro Vargas moved from third to second base. The changes also promoted Corbin Carroll to the leadoff spot. These adjustments were noted in reports from both Sports Illustrated and Reuters.
Game Statistics
- Scoring by inning: Cardinals 2 runs (1st), Diamondbacks 3 runs (4th), 2 runs (5th), 4 runs (8th), 1 run (9th).
- Pitching: Arizona starter Michael McGreevy worked 6 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits, three walks, and striking out three. He exited after a solo home run in the seventh. St. Louis starter Michael McGreevy (different pitcher) lasted 5 2/3 innings, giving up five runs.
- Key hitters: Tyler Locklear’s 86 mph change-up produced the go-ahead homer; Gabriel Moreno added a sacrifice fly and a single in the eighth; Nolan Arenado singled with the bases loaded for a run.
- Marte’s season line: Batting .258 with 18 home runs and 59 RBIs in 98 games, Marte has averaged 29.7 homers over the prior three seasons and is a three-time All-Star.
Impact on the Wild Card Race
Arizona’s victory widened its lead over St. Louis to a half-game for the final Wild Card berth, while also preserving its season-series advantage that serves as a tiebreaker. Both clubs remain within striking distance of the postseason, and the win bolsters the Diamondbacks’ position as the trade-deadline approaches.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact date Ketel Marte was scratched. Sports Illustrated’s piece cites July 22, 2026 as the day he was removed from the lineup, whereas Reuters reports the scratch occurring on July 23, 2026, just before the game began. No additional clarification has been provided, leaving a minor discrepancy in the timeline of Marte’s injury status.
