Max Kepler's first homer since suspension powers Arizona Diamondbacks to dominant win

SAN DIEGO: Max Kepler marked his return to Major League Baseball in emphatic fashion by hitting his first home run since serving an 80-game suspension, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks cruise to an 8-0 victory over the San Diego Padres here at Petco Park on Monday.

The German outfielder delivered the decisive blow in the third inning, launching a 417-foot three-run home run into the right-field stands off Padres starter Walker Buehler to extend Arizona's lead to 6-0.

Kepler had already driven in a run with an RBI single in the opening inning, finishing the night with four RBIs in an outstanding all-round display.

Kepler was suspended in January after testing positive for Epitrenbolone, a metabolite of Trenbolone, and was reinstated by the Diamondbacks on 25 June.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo praised the outfielder's performance and said his impressive batting practice earlier in the day had hinted at what was to come.

"The Kepler three-run home run was clearly the big blow in this game. When it left the bat it was very clear to everybody that it would be a homer," Lovullo said. "It was nice to see him get off the ground and hit his first homer (with Arizona)."

The home run was the 180th of Kepler's MLB career and his first at Petco Park. Despite its significance, the 32-year-old insisted it was no more special than his previous long balls.

"Given my situation, coming in halfway through the season, I am patient with myself," Kepler said. "I am grateful once I get to step onto the field. I am grateful I get to play this game."