ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs’ Walker crushes first career homer in return from birth of his child

Jul 25, 2017, 8:21 PM | Updated: 10:35 pm

Coming off the paternity leave list after the birth of his first child, Taijuan Walker showed a little extra power on Tuesday.

How are we certain skipping his last start to be with his newborn child and wife, Heather, gave him more power? Just look.

In an 8-3 loss to Atlanta on Tuesday, Walker crushed Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz’s high, 96 mph fastball to left field for a home run that registered at 110 mph off the pitcher’s bat and 455 feet in distance. It was the 24-year-old’s first career home run, and the hit tied the game at 1-1 in the fifth inning.

For a pitcher, it was impressive.

On the mound, Walker pitched six frames, allowing three hits and two runs (only one was earned) along with a walk and six strikeouts.

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