What to Expect from the NLCS Matchup between Diamondbacks and Phillies
Both the Diamondbacks and Phillies are coming off impressive wins in the divisional round of the playoffs and are now vying for a spot in the World Series. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming NLCS matchup.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo made a bold statement before the series began, emphasizing that his team was not going to be pushed around. True to his words, the Diamondbacks won Game 6 against the Phillies, tying the series and forcing a Game 7.
The Diamondbacks exhibited exceptional pitching, silencing the potent Phillies lineup and securing a convincing 5-1 victory in Game 6. This marked the first time the Phillies lost a home game this postseason after winning six consecutive games.
Now, the Phillies will face the daunting task of beating the Diamondbacks in two consecutive postseason games at Citizens Bank Park, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since the Colorado Rockies in 2007. The stakes are high, and anything can happen in Game 7.
Rookie Brandon Pfaadt will be on the mound for the Diamondbacks, while the Phillies will rely on lefty Ranger Suarez. In their previous matchup in Game 3, both pitchers delivered exceptional performances, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. Pfaadt pitched 5 ⅔ shutout innings, while Suarez pitched 5 ⅓ shutout innings. The Diamondbacks emerged victorious in a close 2-1 game, thanks to Ketel Marte’s walk-off single.
Pfaadt expressed confidence in his game plan and emphasized the importance of being aggressive while remaining cautious of the Phillies’ power hitters. He’s determined to give it his all and contribute to a victory for his team.
Merrill Kelly, who started Game 6 and pitched five brilliant innings, was the hero who made Game 7 possible. He allowed only three hits and struck out eight batters. Despite his impressive performance, Kelly was taken out of the game to avoid facing the Phillies’ lineup a third time, which led to a heated moment between him and Lovullo.
Lovullo justified his decision, highlighting the necessity of maintaining balance and making timely pitching changes. He entrusted his bullpen to secure the remaining 12 outs, and they didn’t disappoint, effectively closing out the game.
In addition to their outstanding pitching, the Diamondbacks made significant offensive adjustments. They showcased a more aggressive approach, stealing four bases and executing bunts late in the game. This strategy mirrored their regular-season performance when they stole 166 bases, and it paid off in Game 6.
Now, the Diamondbacks find themselves just one victory away from reaching the World Series for the first time since 2001. Despite the external doubts, the team’s confidence remained unwavering, with a strong belief in their abilities to overcome any challenge and come out victorious.
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Here’s how Game 6 unfolded on Monday:
Ketel Marte extended the Diamondbacks’ lead with an RBI single in the seventh inning, following his previous RBI triple earlier in the game. This secured a 4-1 advantage against Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering.
Merrill Kelly, the Diamondbacks’ starting pitcher, delivered an impressive performance, striking out eight batters in five innings while allowing only three hits and one earned run. Ryan Thompson took over in the sixth inning and successfully navigated the Phillies lineup, maintaining the Diamondbacks’ 4-1 lead.
In the fifth inning, Marte’s triple brought in Corbin Carroll, increasing the Diamondbacks’ lead to 4-1. This significant hit forced Phillies starter Aaron Nola out of the game. With runners in scoring position, Michael Lorenzen struck out Tommy Pham, preventing further damage.
The Phillies managed to get one run back in the second inning when J.T. Realmuto hit a double and Brandon Marsh drove him in with an RBI. However, the Phillies couldn’t capitalize on this opportunity, as Merrill Kelly struck out Trea Turner to end the inning, leaving runners stranded on first and third.
The Diamondbacks got off to a strong start in the second inning, with Tommy Pham hitting a solo home run followed by a home run from Lourdes Gurriel Jr., giving them a 2-0 lead against Aaron Nola. Evan Longoria’s RBI double further extended their lead to 3-0. Although they couldn’t bring him in from second, the Diamondbacks showed their offensive prowess early in the game.
Aaron Nola, who had been exceptional in the postseason thus far, recorded three strikeouts in the top of the first inning. Corbin Carroll managed a two-out single, but Nola quickly regained control.
Here are the starting lineups for both teams:
Arizona Diamondbacks:
– Starting pitcher: RHP Merrill Kelly
– Corbin Carroll (L) RF
– Ketel Marte (S) 2B
– Gabriel Moreno (R) C
– Christian Walker (R) 1B
– Tommy Pham (R) DH
– Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (R) LF
– Alek Thomas (L) CF
– Evan Longoria (R) 3B
– Geraldo Perdomo (S) SS
Philadelphia Phillies:
– Starting pitcher: RHP Aaron Nola
– Kyle Schwarber (L) DH
– Trea Turner (R) SS
– Bryce Harper (L) 1B
– Alec Bohm (R) 3B
– Bryson Stott (L) 2B
– J.T. Realmuto (R) C
– Nick Castellanos (R) RF
– Brandon Marsh (L) LF
– Johan Rojas (R) CF
The Phillies displayed their aggressive style of play in Game 6, successfully executing a double steal that led to their first steal of home in postseason history. The play exemplified their determination to put pressure on the Diamondbacks and force them into making mistakes.
With their confidence restored, the Phillies are ready to face the Diamondbacks in Game 7 at Citizens Bank Park.
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