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D-backs drub Pirates

PITTSBURGH — The Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t waste any time breaking this game open. Ketel Marte and Alex Avila each hit two-run homers and the Diamondbacks scored eight runs in the first three innings to power their way to a 9-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night.

Marte’s blast capped a three-run first, while Avila’s shot in the third extended the NL West-leading Diamondbacks’ advantage to 8-0.

John Jay doubled in each of the first two innings, the second of which drove in two runs. The center fielder is hitting .340 in 13 games since being acquired June 6 from Kansas City in a trade.

Staked to the early cushion, Zack Godley (8-5) won his third straight start. He gave up three runs — two earned — and four hits in six innings with five strikeouts and three walks.

Chad Kuhl (5-5) lasted just two-plus innings and was lifted following Avila’s homer. Kuhl was tagged for eight runs and eight hits after allowing three earned runs or less in seven of his previous eight starts.

“I don’t think balls were coming out (of his hand) as they have for whatever that reason may be,” Kuhl said. “I just felt like tonight was a little bit different. They hammered balls over the plate. You just try your best to move on from this one.”

Pittsburgh rookie Austin Meadows had three hits. Francisco Cervelli hit an RBI single in the fourth inning for the Pirates. Starling Marte doubled in a run and scored on Colin Moran’s sacrifice fly in the sixth.

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