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Max Kepler Hits 417-Foot Home Run in Diamondbacks’ 8-0 Win Over Padres
Max Kepler homered for the first time since an 80-game suspension as the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the San Diego Padres 8-0 on Monday night. The outfielder also drove in four runs at Petco Park.
Jul 7, 12:59 PM·1m read1 source
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Max Kepler hit a 417-foot home run into the right-field bleachers at Petco Park to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to an 8-0 victory over the San Diego Padres on Monday night. It was his first home run since returning from an 80-game suspension for testing positive for Epitrenbolone.
Kepler connected on a 94 mph four-seam fastball from Padres starter Walker Buehler in the third inning, giving Arizona a 6-0 lead.
He also recorded an RBI single in the first inning and finished with four RBIs. The home run was Kepler's 180th of his career and his first at the San Diego ballpark. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said the three-run homer stood out as the decisive blow.
"The Kepler three-run home run was clearly the big blow in this game," Lovullo said. " Kepler was suspended in January and activated by the Diamondbacks on June 25. He said the home run carried no extra weight beyond any other.
"I think it was just what we needed -- one swing of the bat," Kepler said. " Kepler added that he felt good at the plate and remained patient after missing the first half of the season. "Given my situation, coming in halfway through the season, I am patient with myself," he said.
