PHOENIX — Eugenio Suárez’s homer was the highlight of a pivotal first inning as the Arizona Diamondbacks secured a 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Sunday. However, the victory was overshadowed by a potential setback as starting pitcher Corbin Burnes left the game with an elbow concern.
Burnes began the game with promise, striking out three of his six batters in the opening inning. But his outing was abruptly halted in the fifth inning when, on his 70th pitch, he signaled to the dugout while indicating a problem with his elbow. He departed the field holding a 3-0 advantage.
Manager Torey Lovullo informed reporters post-game that Burnes experienced discomfort in his right elbow and will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. This development puts a damper on an otherwise spirited performance by the Diamondbacks, who ended a four-game losing streak, albeit without a hit after the first inning.
Arizona’s early lead was initially established by Ketel Marte’s leadoff single off Mitchell Parker (4-5), advancing to second on a subsequent flyout. Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s double brought Marte home, followed by Suárez’s impressive 466-foot home run to center field, marking his 15th of the season. This home run places Suárez in a tie for the fifth-longest this season alongside Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies, with the Angels’ Mike Trout leading with a 484-foot shot against the Giants.
Jalen Beeks took over pitching duties for Burnes in the fifth inning and, despite giving up an RBI single to Nathaniel Lowe, struck out Luis García Jr. to maintain the lead. Cristian Mena, recalled from Triple-A Reno, delivered two scoreless innings, earning his first career victory in his third major league appearance. Justin Martinez efficiently closed the game with a perfect ninth inning, securing his fourth save.
The Nationals, meanwhile, saw their four-game winning streak come to a stop, falling just short of their season-best.
Arizona will be keeping a close watch on Burnes, who was signed for six years in a $210 million deal to bolster their pitching lineup. This injury comes after Burnes achieved his first win only in his sixth start on April 30 against the Mets. However, he found form in May with a 2-1 record across four starts and a 1.67 ERA.
Up next for the Nationals is a six-game homestand starting Tuesday. Right-hander Trevor Williams (3-5, 5.69 ERA) will face the Chicago Cubs, who plan to start right-hander Cade Horton (2-0, 3.98 ERA) in his fourth career start. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks will begin a series against the Braves on Tuesday, with Zac Gallen (3-7, 5.54 ERA) set to start against Spencer Strider (0-3, 4.50 ERA).