The Arizona Diamondbacks rolled to a 3-1 victory over the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium on Wednesday in spring training action. Jacob Amaya paced the offense, going 2-for-2 with a home run and three RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. Brandon Pfaadt worked 2.1 innings on the mound, allowing 0 earned runs on 1 hit. The Diamondbacks finished with 10 hits on the day while holding the Athletics to 6. It was an encouraging performance for the Diamondbacks as they continue sharpening the roster for the regular season. Games like these serve as a valuable measuring stick for where the team stands heading into the campaign.
Key Performers
Jacob Amaya was the key contributor at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a home run and three RBI. The long ball provided a major boost to the offensive attack. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Diamondbacks offense.
Tommy Troy chipped in, going 3-for-4, Gabriel Moreno added to the attack, going 1-for-4, and Luken Baker provided support, going 1-for-2 with a double. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.
On the other side of the diamond, Nick Kurtz led the Athletics offense with a 1-for-3 with a double day. Leo De Vries also contributed, going 1-for-2. Tyler Soderstrom added a 1-for-2 effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Diamondbacks pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Brandon Pfaadt got the start, having a rough go of it, working 2.1 innings while allowing 0 earned runs on 1 hit with one strikeout. He threw 25 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.
The bullpen combined for 6.2 innings of work, allowing 1 earned run while striking out four. The relief corps did its job in protecting the lead after the starter departed. Managing the bullpen workload is a key priority during the spring, and every outing helps the coaching staff gauge who is ready for high-leverage situations. Isaiah Campbell recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Brandyn Garcia stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. The outing gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season.
How It Happened
The Diamondbacks struck first, tallying two runs in the fourth inning. Athletics answered with a run in the fourth. The Diamondbacks responded with a run in the sixth. The Diamondbacks out-hit Athletics 10-6 on the day, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 5,086 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was a productive day for the Diamondbacks, who continue to put the pieces in place ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff will take the positives from this outing and use the remaining spring games to finalize the roster. Days like this one suggest the Diamondbacks are heading in the right direction as Opening Day draws closer.