By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Tuesday, August 18, 2020

The Arizona Diamondbacks enjoyed a big night at the plate from shortstop Nick Ahmed, as the D-Backs stretched their winning streak to six games with a 10-1 thumping of the Oakland Athletics Tuesday in downtown Phoenix.

Ahmed homered and drove in five of Arizona’s runs. He cranked a three-run home run off A’s starter Frankie Montas (2-2) in the first inning and added a two-run base hit in the second. Montas also surrendered a home run to Kole Calhoun.

The Diamondbacks batted around in each of the first two innings.

Arizona starter Luke Weaver (1-4) picked up his first win, surrendering one run on three hits while retiring the last 10 hitters he faced before turning things over to the bullpen.

Diamondbacks relievers held the Athletics to four hits and logged 13 strikeouts.

Montas had not pitched since his Aug. 8 against Houston. He was scratched from his last scheduled start last Friday against San Francisco.

Montas, who allowed nine runs on six hits, gave up the game’s first run on a wild pitch, and was pulled after his fourth walk loaded the bases for Arizona with two out. Lou Trivino took over and Ahmed greeted him with a two-run single, giving the D-Backs an 8-1 lead.

TRAINING ROOM UPDATE
Oakland LHP A.J. Puk may need a couple more bullpen sessions as he attempts to return from a shoulder injury. Puk threw 30 pitches at the A’s alternate site Monday and is expected to throw again on Wednesday.

ON DECK
The Athletics return home to host the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. Lefthander Jesus Luzardo (1-0, 4.79) is on the mound for Oakland, facing the D-Backs’ righthander Merrill Kelly (3-1, 1.71).