Big Night From Cabrera Not Enough As Padres Drop Opener

May 26, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera (2) watches as his ball goes over the right field wall for a 3 run home run during the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

In a series opener that went back and forth the entire night, it was a heartbreaking loss for the San Diego Padres, as A.J. Pollock hit a walk-off long ball to give the Arizona Diamondbacks a 7-5 victory Monday night in Phoenix. Kevin Quakenbush got himself into trouble, allowing Eric Chavez to reach before giving up the fateful home run.

Padres’ shortstop Everth Cabrera drove in Tommy Medica in the seventh inning to tie the game after the Friars had trailed 5-4. Cabrera also hit a 3-run blast in the game and finished with four driven in on the night. Padres’ starter Tyson Ross had a solid night, until he lost his grip on things in the sixth inning. Holding a 4-2 lead entering the frame, Ross gave up five consecutive base hits–the last three all scoring runs for the D-Backs, and yielding the lead, 5-4. Ross finished his night with a line of 5+ inning, 5 runs allowed (4 earned), and 4 strikeouts.

Padres’ first baseman Yonder Alonso added the fifth run of the night for San Diego, with a solo shot in the fifth inning, followed later in the inning by the Cabrera 3-run blast. Bud Black lost a manager’s challenge an inning before, but lost, as Seth Smith was thrown out attempting to turn a sure double into a would be triple. A mistake at the time that would prove costly later in the game.

Diamondbacks’ starter Brandon McCarthy wasn’t on his A-game either, allowing 5 runs in 6 2/3 innings of work, striking out four and getting a no-decision.

The two teams return to action tomorrow night at Chase Field at 6:40 p.m. PT as San Diego sends Eric Stults (2-5, 4.97) to the bump against Wade Miley (3-5, 4.85) for the Snakes.