What to Expect from NLCS Matchup between Diamondbacks and Phillies
Both the Diamondbacks and Phillies are coming off statement wins in the divisional round of the playoffs and are now fighting for a chance at the World Series. In this article, Bob Nightengale explains what we can expect from this highly anticipated matchup.
PHOENIX — The Philadelphia Phillies spent the entire winter reflecting on their near miss in last year’s World Series. They fell just short, and the memory has haunted them ever since. Now, they are determined to reach the World Series this year, as owner John Middleton declared. However, their hopes may be dashed after a stunning defeat in Game 4 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, which tied the National League Championship Series at two games apiece.
The Phillies had a comfortable 5-3 lead, just six outs away from taking a commanding 3-1 series lead, until their veteran closer, Craig Kimbrel, had a meltdown on the mound. Kimbrel gave up a leadoff double to Lourdes Gurriel and proceeded to allow a two-run home run to pinch-hitter Alek Thomas. The sellout crowd of 47,306 went wild as the game was tied. The Diamondbacks then secured a dramatic comeback victory with Gabriel Moreno’s single into center field.
The Phillies still have a strong lineup of pitchers, with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suarez lined up for the next three games. However, the Diamondbacks have Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt ready to counter them. This series was expected to be easy for the Phillies, but the Diamondbacks have proven that they won’t go down without a fight.
Despite the Diamondbacks’ power-hitting trio of Corbin Carroll, Christian Walker, and Tommy Pham struggling at the plate, they have managed to stay competitive in the series. The Phillies’ offense also struggled, scoring just one run in the first 12 innings at Chase Field until Kyle Schwarber hit a leadoff home run in the fourth inning, breaking the record for most postseason home runs by a left-handed hitter.
The game took a turn in the sixth inning when the Diamondbacks’ bullpen unraveled, walking the bases loaded without recording an out. The Phillies took advantage of the situation, scoring two runs on a throwing error by third baseman Emmanuel Rivera.
However, the Phillies’ bullpen also had its share of struggles, allowing the Diamondbacks to come back and take the lead. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo commented on the sudden change in the narrative of the game. It was a dramatic shift that left fans and analysts perplexed.
Overall, Game 4 was filled with excitement and unpredictability. The series is now tied, and both teams will be giving it their all to secure a spot in the World Series.
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Game 4 Recap:
With a two-run lead, Phillies pitcher Craig Kimbrel had a meltdown in the eighth inning. The Diamondbacks tied the game 5-5 with a double from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and a two-run homer from Alek Thomas. Kimbrel was eventually replaced with Jose Alvarado after giving up a single and hitting a batter. Alvarado allowed a run-scoring single to Gabriel Moreno, giving the Diamondbacks the lead. The Diamondbacks loaded the bases but only managed to score one more run.
In the top of the seventh inning, Johan Rojas tripled and Trea Turner hit a sacrifice fly to extend the Phillies’ lead to 5-2. In the sixth inning, the Phillies took advantage of a throwing error by Emmanuel Rivera, scoring two runs and taking a 4-2 lead.
In the fifth inning, Brandon Marsh hit an RBI double to tie the game 2-2. The Diamondbacks had taken an early lead in the third inning with a single from Gabriel Moreno. Kyle Schwarber broke a postseason record with his solo home run in the fourth inning, giving the Phillies a 2-1 lead.
The Diamondbacks’ defense made a stellar play in the second inning, with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. making a leaping catch against the wall to rob J.T. Realmuto of extra bases. The Diamondbacks then took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning with a single from Emmanuel Rivera.
Trea Turner’s stolen base streak came to an end when he was picked off in the first inning. The game started with temperatures around 102 degrees in Phoenix, and the roof at Chase Field was closed.
Starting Lineups:
Philadelphia Phillies:
- Cristopher Sánchez (L) P
- 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
Arizona Diamondbacks:
- Joe Mantiply (L) P
- Ketel Marte (S) 2B
- Corbin Carroll (L) CF
- Gabriel Moreno (R) C
- Christian Walker (R) 1B
- Tommy Pham (R) RF
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (R) LF
- Evan Longoria (R) DH
- Emmanuel Rivera (R) 3B
- Geraldo Perdomo (S) SS
The game was played with the roof closed due to the hot temperatures in Phoenix.
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