PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks ' 4-2 loss to the Miami Marlins on Tuesday did little to help their postseason push, but it also came with a controversial call at home plate.
May 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona , USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo against the New York Mets at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 10th inning, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo tried to score from third on an infield grounder when Miami catcher Brian Navarreto stepped into the path of the plate as the play developed. Perdomo was thrown out, prompting a review from the Arizona bench to determine whether the catcher had illegally blocked the plate. Had the call been overturned, the run would have scored and the D-Backs would have walked the game off.
Instead, the call was confirmed, leaving fans online questioning the decision by the umpiring crew.
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After the game, manager Torey Lovullo explained why he believed the call stood.
"I know the rule," Lovullo said. "So if the infield's in, the catcher can stand in front of the plate. So he puts himself at risk… But [Perdomo] was trying to make a play and I thought he made a great read on the play… We were running contact and the catcher just stepped on his hand and blocked the plate. So good job by him, they understood the rules."
The call kept the game tied, and Miami took advantage in the 11th inning, hitting a bases-clearing double to take a 4-1 lead. The Diamondbacks rallied for one more run in the bottom half, but it wasn't enough to complete the comeback.
Sep 15, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Miami Marlins outfielder Esteury Ruiz hits a three run double in the eleventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Arizona's struggles extended beyond the controversial play. The D-Backs went just 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left 15 runners on base, missing several opportunities to build an early cushion.
That made the loss even more costly in the National League Wild Card race. The San Diego Padres had already lost to the Colorado Rockies earlier Tuesday, giving Arizona an opportunity to gain ground. Instead, the Diamondbacks failed to capitalize and remained 2.5 games behind San Diego.
Sep 15, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Deyvison De Los Santos (left) makes a leaping tag of Arizona Diamondbacks base runner Ildemaro Vargas in the tenth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With the postseason race tightening, Arizona can ill afford to let opportunities like Tuesday's slip away. The Snakes had a chance to take the lead in the 10th, but after the call at the plate was upheld, Miami delivered the decisive blow an inning later.
Between the missed chances at the plate and the inability to convert in a pivotal moment, Tuesday's loss was another reminder of how little margin for error Arizona has down the stretch.
