The Diamondbacks took the series opener against the Oakland Athletics as they began a nine-game road trip. Great early offense and a strong starting pitching performance from Merrill Kelly led the D-backs to a 5-2 victory.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Kelly, who has struggled so far this season, tossed seven innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits. This was just the second time Merrill Kelly made it to the 7th inning this year.
On the offensive end, it was a pair of two-run shots from Geraldo Perdomo and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. that did the majority of the damage.
Gurriel Jr. has proven to be one of the best decisions that the Diamondbacks made over the past offseason. In his first season in Arizona, Lourdes has kept his batting average consistently above .300, and has already passed his homerun total from 2022.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. continues to stay hot 🔥 pic.twitter.com/S6oDvrO5lB
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) May 16, 2023
Everybody on the Diamondbacks starting nine contributed at least one hit besides Alek Thomas, who is off to a very shaky start this year.
After Monday’s 0-4 night at the plate, Thomas’ batting average has slipped below .200.
Nevertheless, the Diamondbacks have now won four in a row, keeping pace with the red-hot first-place Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Diamondbacks can secure a series victory against the A’s tomorrow at 6:40 p.m.
