In a game that felt more like a wake-up call than a warm-up, the D-backs faced a tough night back at Chase Field. After cruising to a ten-run victory in the Cactus League finale, they found themselves stifled by former teammate Slade Cecconi and a trio of Cleveland relievers, managing just two hits-both courtesy of Pavin Smith.
The D-backs never even got a runner in scoring position, with only three walks (to Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, and Jordan Lawlar) complementing Smith’s pair of singles. Cecconi was particularly stingy, delivering four scoreless innings and surrendering just one hit.
On the mound for Arizona, Merrill Kelly struggled to find his rhythm, lasting only two innings and allowing five earned runs. His line included four hits-two of them homers-and two walks, with just a single strikeout to his name.
Jonathan Loaisiga and Ryan Thompson also found themselves in trouble, each giving up a run in their respective innings. However, there were silver linings in the form of scoreless outings from Isaiah Campbell, Kevin Ginkel, Paul Sewald, Gerardo Carrillo, and Casey Anderson.
Notably, Ginkel and Sewald are set to be key pieces in the Opening Day bullpen.
After the game, Merrill Kelly reflected on his performance, acknowledging the rough outing but focusing on adjustments moving forward. It's early days, and while this game didn’t go their way, the D-backs have plenty of time to regroup and refocus as the season gets underway.