The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to find ways to win in the early stages of the 2026 season, and Friday night’s victory at Citizens Bank Park was perhaps their most resilient yet. Behind a vintage performance from Mike Soroka and a high-wire act in the ninth inning from closer Paul Sewald, Arizona managed to hold off the Philadelphia Phillies for a 5-4 victory.
Early Adversity and the Brandon Marsh Home Run
The game didn’t start exactly how the Diamondbacks had envisioned. In the bottom of the first inning, Philadelphia’s Brandon Marsh sent a jolt through the home crowd by launching a three-run home run, giving the Phillies an early 3-0 lead. For many pitchers, such an early deficit in a hostile environment like Philadelphia could have led to a short outing. However, Mike Soroka showed the poise that has defined his comeback campaign, settling in immediately after the blast.
Arizona’s offense responded quickly to support their starter. The Diamondbacks chipped away at the lead, eventually manufacturing five runs to put Soroka in a position to earn his third win of the season. The lineup’s ability to stay patient against Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo proved pivotal as they reclaimed the lead and turned the game into a battle of the bullpens.
The Dominance of Mike Soroka
After the rocky first inning, Mike Soroka was nearly untouchable. The right-hander displayed a masterclass in tunneling and command, racking up 10 strikeouts over his outing. It was a performance that reminded baseball fans of his 2019 All-Star form, as he kept the Phillies’ heavy hitters off-balance with a devastating mix of his signature sinker and a sharp breaking ball.
With this performance, Soroka improved his season record to 3-0 and lowered his ERA to a stellar 2.87. For a pitcher who has spent the better part of the last few years battling back from significant Achilles and shoulder injuries, Friday night served as a definitive statement that he is once again a front-line starter in the National League. His ability to navigate a lineup featuring Bryce Harper and Trea Turner while recording double-digit strikeouts suggests that Arizona’s gamble on the veteran righty is paying off in spades.
Paul Sewald Slams the Door
Despite the dominance from Soroka, the game came down to the final pitch. Entering the ninth inning with a narrow 5-4 lead, Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald was tasked with navigating the heart of the Phillies' order. The tension reached a fever pitch when Philadelphia managed to get the tying run to third base with two outs.
In a classic power-versus-power matchup, Sewald faced off against Trea Turner. With the game on the line, Sewald maintained his composure, eventually inducing a fly out to left fielder Tim Tawa to end the threat and secure his fourth save of the season. The victory moved Arizona to an 8-6 record, keeping them firmly in the hunt in the competitive NL West.
Injury Impact and Rotation Depth
While the game was a showcase of talent, the underlying story remains the health of both rosters. The Phillies entered the series significantly shorthanded, missing ace Zack Wheeler, who is currently on the 15-day injured list following shoulder surgery. The absence of J.T. Realmuto, who was sidelined with a bruised right foot, was also felt as Philadelphia struggled to capitalize on late-inning opportunities.
Arizona is dealing with its own health hurdles, with Justin Martinez and Pavin Smith both currently unavailable. However, the emergence of a healthy Mike Soroka has provided the Diamondbacks with the rotation stability they desperately needed. If Soroka can maintain this level of health and performance, Arizona’s rotation looks significantly more formidable as they head into the summer months.
The Diamondbacks will look to carry this momentum into the rest of the three-game set, while the Phillies will search for answers to snap their early-season offensive inconsistency.
Sources & Original Reporting
