Ildemaro Vargas’ 3-run homer helps the Diamondbacks top the Orioles 4-3

By: Noah Trister, The Associated Press Posted: 8:38 PM CDT Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2026 Last Modified: 9:13 PM CDT Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2026

Advertise with us

BALTIMORE (AP) — Ildemaro Vargas hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning to lift the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Ildemaro Vargas hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning to lift the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

BALTIMORE (AP) — Ildemaro Vargas hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning to lift the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.

A night after the Orioles rallied from a 7-1 deficit, Arizona turned the tables with a smaller comeback. The Diamondbacks were down 2-0 when Vargas connected off Trevor Rogers (2-1) for his second homer of the year.

Merrill Kelly (1-0) allowed two runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings in his first start of the season. He walked four and struck out three.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Ryan Thompson retired Jeremiah Jackson on a grounder with the bases loaded in the eighth to preserve Arizona’s one-run lead, and Paul Sewald worked a perfect ninth for his sixth save.

Geraldo Perdomo had three hits for Arizona.

Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte was scratched shortly before the game because of back tightness. Manager Torey Lovullo said afterward he’s planning for Marte to be in the lineup Wednesday.

Kelly (left intercostal nerve irritation) started the season on the injured list, and Samuel Basallo hit a solo homer off him in the second inning. In the third, Kelly walked three hitters, including Leody Taveras with the bases loaded to make it 2-0.

After Vargas’ one-out homer in the fifth, Jose Fernandez doubled home a run to chase Rogers.

Taveras singled home a run in the eighth, and Thompson came on with two outs and the bases full to face Jackson, who homered twice in Baltimore’s win Monday. Jackson hit the first pitch into the ground, and Thompson came off the mound quickly to field the ball and throw him out.