Nolan Arenado tied the game with a bases-loaded single in the 10th before Vargas’ heroics. Max Kepler and Ketel Marte also recorded RBIs in the win.
Drake — the D-backs’ No. 10 prospect, per MLB Pipeline — was effective in his debut, facing seven total batters in the first two innings before running into some trouble in the third. The A’s loaded the bases with nobody out, but the 26-year-old got Shea Langeliers to line out sharply before inducing an inning-ending double play.
Drake allowed one run on four hits while striking out five in five innings, and was in line for his first career win until a blown save in the ninth. He used all five pitches in his arsenal, but relied most heavily on his four-seam fastball, which accounted for 41 of his 85 pitches. His changeup and cutter were most effective, generating eight combined whiffs on 15 swings, and he was efficient throughout.
The D-backs and Athletics wrap up their three-game set with a rubber match on Wednesday afternoon.
