Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado continues tormenting Giants' Robbie Ray, delivers grand slam in rout

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Nolan Arenado stood ready in the batter's box Monday night at Chase Field.

The matchup was nearly perfect. 

Well, for Arenado, it was possibly the perfect first-inning matchup.

On the mound, San Francisco Giants starter Robbie Ray braced for impact, which came early.

Leadoff batter Ketel Marte singled to right field. Corbin Carroll followed with another single to right. Geraldo Perdomo then reached on a fielding error by third baseman Matt Chapman, loading the bases.

Arenado, who entered Monday with 16 hits in 44 at-bats against Ray, connected on a second-pitch, 95-mph, four-seam fastball for a grand slam. Four batters into the game, the Diamondbacks led 4-0. Things got worse for the Giants, who dropped a 12-2 decision.

It was his fourth career home run against the left-hander and seventh of his rejuvenated campaign.

Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado blasts Giants' Robbie Ray again

Is Arenado auditioning for a role with another club, like the Boston Red Sox? With their third basemen hitting a combined .165, they could use an offensive jolt?

One of the league's top defensive third basemen, Arenado hit a career-low .237 last season. Among the changes he initiated was altering his pregame work, switching to a pitching machine.

The changes helped the 35-year-old. He rebounded this spring, slashing .273/.350/.448 through his opening 43 outings.

Monday's grand slam was Arenado's first homer since May 8.

With Ray (3-6) pitching and the bases loaded, to Arenado, it proved to be the perfect start.