Rookie Mitch Bratt Outduels Casey Mize in Diamondbacks Victory

Arizona Diamondbacks rookie left-hander Mitch Bratt earned his first Major League win Wednesday night, leading his team to a 10-4 victory over the San Diego Padres at Chase Field, according to MLB.com.

Bratt, 23, delivered a dominant performance, allowing only one hit over seven innings. He recorded nine strikeouts and three walks, marking a significant improvement in command for a pitcher who had entered the game with a 5.23 ERA and had not yet reached the sixth inning in any of his previous five starts. MLB.com notes that Bratt is the first pitcher aged 23 or younger to record at least seven innings with one or fewer hits and nine or more strikeouts since Paul Skenes of the Pirates did so on July 11, 2024.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo and Bratt both credited catcher James McCann for the performance, specifically regarding the mixing of pitches that kept San Diego off balance. Padres manager Craig Stammen noted that Bratt's fastball felt harder than the scoreboard indicated. After exiting the game to a standing ovation, Bratt admitted he was so "fired up" that he "couldn't feel [his] legs."

The victory comes as Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen has faced criticism for not adding a starting pitcher while the Padres acquired Casey Mize and Robbie Ray. MLB.com reports that the Arizona Republic noted a failed deal with the Mets for Clay Holmes due to a medical issue with a player Arizona intended to trade. With starters Michael Soroka, Zac Gallen, Corbin Burnes, and Ryne Nelson sidelined by injury, Arizona has relied on Bratt and fellow rookie Kohl Drake.

In contrast, Casey Mize struggled in his debut for San Diego. After allowing two runs in the third, Mize was chased in the fourth inning during a six-run rally where Arizona recorded five straight hits and a walk. With the win, Arizona is now tied with the Phillies for the second NL Wild Card spot and holds a two-game lead over the Padres.