Pavin Smith Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Walk-off walk caps off unusual ending to Diamondbacks/Nationals contest

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated May 7, 2023 12:03 AM ET

Saturday's Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Washington Nationals contest featured one of the wildest ninth innings in recent memory, capped off with a controversial home run and walk of bases on balls.

With Arizona leading 6-2 in the top of the ninth, Washington rallied for five runs to take a one-run lead, setting the stage for an unusual turn of events.

First, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. opened the bottom half with a first-pitch home run of Kyle Finnegan, tying the game, 7-7. However, outfielder Stone Garrett believed he'd be interfered with by a fan, causing manager Dave Martinez to object to no avail.

LOURDES GURRIEL JR. TIES IT UP! pic.twitter.com/vkdCZovggD
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) May 7, 2023

Following a single and a walk from Christian Walker and Corbin Carroll, Dominic Fletcher sacrificed the pair up a base, forcing the Nationals to walk Geraldo Perdomo intentionally with only one out in the inning. Unfortunately for Washington, the plan backfired, and Finnegan walked pinch-hitter Pavin Smith, driving in the winning run.

THE @Dbacks SURVIVE IN THE NINTH! pic.twitter.com/gciK9ItqmA
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) May 7, 2023

Saturday's unusual win helped the Diamondbacks increase their win streak to a modest three games. Arizona has been playing solid baseball as of late, winning seven of their last 10 games.

At 19-14, the Diamondbacks are keeping pace with the Los Angeles Dodgers (20-14) atop the National League West. Following Saturday's win, Arizona trails the Dodgers by a half-game for the division lead.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

More must-reads: