PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks started off their season on a high note with a 7-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Friday. Alek Thomas stole the show with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, propelling the Diamondbacks to victory.
Merrill Kelly also had a standout performance on the mound, pitching 6 2/3 innings of quality baseball and allowing only one run on three hits while striking out eight. Joc Pederson, in his first game with the D-backs after signing a one-year, $9.5 million contract, had a memorable debut with four hits, including a double. Dominican Ketel Marte also had a strong offensive showing with three hits, a walk, and a stolen base.
Pederson’s four-hit debut made franchise history, while Marte became the first player to start a season with consecutive three-hit games. On the pitching side, Kelly’s dominance on the mound was evident as he continued his streak of pitching at least five innings in 30 consecutive games.
The Rockies struggled to gain momentum against the Diamondbacks, with starting pitcher Cal Quantrill (0-1) allowing five runs on nine hits in five innings. Venezuelans Elías Díaz and Ezequiel Tovar had notable performances for the Rockies, while Dominicans Marte and Geraldo Perdomo, Cuban Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Venezuelan Eugenio Suárez shined for the Diamondbacks.
Overall, it was a strong start to the season for the Diamondbacks, who will look to build on this win as they continue their campaign.