Jordan Montgomery returned from a month-long absence due to a knee injury and pitched five innings, allowing just one run to help the Arizona Diamondbacks defeat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Tuesday night.
Ketel Marte contributed with a two-run home run and scored three times in the game.
Montgomery, who signed a one-year contract with the NL champions earlier this year, hadn’t pitched since June 27 due to inflammation in his right knee. He threw 67 pitches, striking out two and walking one while giving up three hits to earn his seventh win. His last victory was on June 21 against Philadelphia.
“I felt comfortable out there and was pain-free, which was a relief,” Montgomery said. “I had to adjust my delivery a bit because of the knee issue, but I pushed through and I’m glad to be back.”
Manager Torey Lovullo noted Montgomery’s effectiveness with his changeup, a pitch that played a crucial role in his performance.
“His changeup was working well tonight, which was key,” Lovullo said. “He had confidence in it and used it effectively to get swings and misses.”
Arizona’s bullpen held strong after Montgomery’s exit, with Bryce Jarvis pitching two scoreless innings and Joe Mantiply, Ryan Thompson, and Kevin Ginkel closing out the game to halt the Royals’ four-game winning streak. Kansas City had won eight of their last ten games before facing the Diamondbacks.
Bobby Witt Jr. had a productive night for the Royals, going 1 for 4 with an RBI double in the first inning, ending his streak of four consecutive games with three hits.
