PHOENIX (Interstat) — A costly error on a routine bunt play in the second inning proved the difference as the Arizona Diamondbacks edged the Atlanta Braves 2-1 on Saturday night at Chase Field.

In a crisp pitchers’ duel that lasted just 2 hours and 14 minutes, both teams managed only four hits apiece. The game was decided on a single defensive miscue that allowed both Arizona runs to cross the plate.

The Braves struck first in the top of the second against Diamondbacks starter Michael Soroka. Mike Yastrzemski worked a leadoff walk, advanced to second on a groundout, and scored on a two-out RBI single by designated hitter Dominic Smith.

Atlanta’s lead was short-lived. Arizona answered immediately in the bottom half against Braves right-hander Bryce Elder. Gabriel Moreno and Nolan Arenado led off with back-to-back singles, putting runners at first and second. Rookie Jose Fernandez then dropped a bunt toward the third-base side of the mound.

Elder fielded the ball cleanly but his throw to first base sailed wide, allowing both Moreno and Arenado to score. Fernandez was credited with a bunt single and took second on the throwing error. The two unearned runs would stand as the game-winners.

From that point, the contest became a battle of bullpens and defensive execution. Elder was brilliant aside from the pivotal mistake, tossing seven innings of four-hit ball. He walked none and struck out eight, retiring the final 16 batters he faced after the error.

Soroka (2-0) earned the win for Arizona, navigating five innings. He allowed one run on four hits, walking three and striking out three. The Diamondbacks’ relief corps of Jonathan Loáisiga, Juan Morillo, Taylor Clarke and Paul Sewald combined for four perfect innings of relief, striking out four. Sewald worked a 1-2-3 ninth, striking out two, for his third save.

The Braves threatened in the third, putting runners on second and third with one out after a walk to Ronald Acuña Jr. and a double by Matt Olson. Soroka escaped by striking out Austin Riley swinging. Atlanta’s best late chance came in the fifth when a hit-by-pitch and a fielding error by Soroka put runners on the corners with one out, but Riley grounded into a force play to end the inning.

Arizona’s offense was stifled by Elder and double-play balls. The Diamondbacks grounded into twin killings in the third and fourth innings, snuffing out potential rallies.

The loss dropped Atlanta to 6-3 on the season, while Arizona improved to 4-5. The Braves had won the first two games of this four-game series decisively, including a 17-2 rout on Thursday.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 3-2 Atlanta victory, and the Braves were installed as pregame favorites with a -1.5 run spread. The total of three runs went well under the over/under line of 9.5.

The teams conclude their series Sunday afternoon at Chase Field. Atlanta will then travel to Anaheim for a three-game set with the Los Angeles Angels beginning Monday. Arizona embarks on a 10-game road trip starting Tuesday with three games against the New York Mets.