D-Back hurler Davis wins on return from cancer surgery

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Doug Davis made a triumphant return to the mound six weeks after thyroid cancer surgery, notching the win in an 11-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Friday.

Davis, 32, allowed one run over seven innings to help the Diamondbacks end a six-game road losing streak in his first start since April 8.

"Everybody gave me a hug and said, 'Good job,'" Davis told reporters about the reception he got from his team mates after he was removed from the game.

Davis improved to 2-1 on the season.

Arizona's 11 runs marked a season-high for the NL West leaders and the five home runs they hit were the most for them in a game in three years.

"I think we got a little inspirational help from him today," Arizona manager Bob Melvin said.

"Just the fact that we knew he was taking the mound again just gives you a little extra. Today was probably just a little bit more than a baseball game."

The Diamondbacks provided early comfort for Davis with five runs off Atlanta starter Jo-Jo Reyes in the first inning.

Davis, who had his thyroid removed, was told last week that he was cancer-free.

"It was awesome to see," team mate Micah Owings told reporters about the pitcher's performance. "None of us can really comprehend it, what he's been through."

(Writing by Larry Fine in New York, Editing by John O'Brien)