Diamondbacks offense solid again in spring training play vs. A’s
Mar 22, 2021, 4:38 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks' Tim Locastro doubles during the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, March 19, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
MESA, Ariz. — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ offense had a solid showing Monday against the Oakland A’s, accumulating eight hits and four runs in the team’s third tie in just as many days.
After the A’s took a three-run lead in the fifth inning, Arizona came alive and responded with three of their own in the sixth, sparked by Tim Locastro scoring the D-backs’ first run of the game on a wild pitch.
Both Locastro and teammate Pavin Smith were strong at the plate Monday, each going 2-for-4 with one run.
Meanwhile, Josh Rojas stayed hot, going 1-for-3 with one run scored. The shortstop has now reached base safely in 15 of his last 16 games.
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Christian Walker, Josh VanMeter and Stephen Vogt recorded an RBI each.
Vogt was hit by a pitch on the wrist in the seventh inning, but manager Torey Lovullo said postgame that the catcher is fine.
“He’s been hit in that area I think twice in the past two or three games, so you’re always concerned when something like that jumps up. … He checked out fine there on the bases,” Lovullo said.
Starting pitcher Seth Frankoff stepped onto the mound Monday with big shoes to fill after right-hander Zac Gallen was scratched from the lineup.
Gallen is being evaluated for right lateral forearm soreness. Lovullo said there is no timetable yet for Gallen as the team doesn’t know the extent of the injury.
“We’re in good shape. If we’ve got to pivot, we’re in a good spot because we’re going to have a lot of guys who were stretched out already,” Lovullo said.
Frankoff started out solid and held the A’s to no hits or runs until the bottom of the fifth. The 32-year-old allowed just one hit with one strikeout, three runs (two earned) and five walks in four innings of work.
Frankoff has limited experience in the majors, appearing in two games last season with the Seattle Mariners. He signed a minor-league deal with the D-backs in January, and through four spring appearances, he holds a 6.17 ERA.
UP NEXT
The D-backs host the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday for a night game at Salt River Fields. First pitch is a 6:10 p.m. Catch all the action on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
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