Been some time for the reason that final one in every of these!
Today’s Lineups
| DIAMONDBACKS | PHILLIES |
|---|---|
| Corbin Carroll – RF | Kyle Schwarber – DH |
| Ketel Marte – 2B | Trea Turner – SS |
| Tommy Pham – DH | Bryce Harper – 1B |
| Christian Walker – 1B | Alec Bohm – 3B |
| Gabriel Moreno – C | Bryson Stott – 2B |
| Lourdes Gurriel – LF | J.T. Realmuto – C |
| Alek Thomas – CF | Nick Castellanos – RF |
| Evan Longoria – 3B | Brandon Marsh – LF |
| Geraldo Perdomo – SS | Johan Rojas – CF |
| Zac Gallen – RHP | Zack Wheeler – RHP |
No surprises within the line-up for the collection opener, Torey Lovullo holding religion with the identical 9 gamers to have began each one of many 5 post-season video games to this point, I believe? Seems affordable sufficient: if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it. And the mere reality the D-backs are one of many final 4 groups standing this yr reveals the Diamondbacks are clearly not broke, Even if we get swept within the Championship Series, as occurred final time we have been right here, sixteen years in the past, it’s not going to dampen what has been a exceptional success, exceeding nearly all expectations. But why not hold defying the pundits? No-one anticipated Arizona to be within the post-season, and few anticipated them to beat first Milwaukee, then Los Angeles.
The key for tonight is “Don’t panic”. After the one-sided sweep of the Dodgers the place the crew led for 25 innings and tied within the different two, it’s simple to overlook that the crew wanted to come back again to win each of the video games in opposition to the Brewers. Frankly, they did a greater job of holding their heads than many followers. So if it occurs once more tonight, I really feel the crew have earned our confidence. They’re referred to as the Answerbacks for a cause. It gained’t be simple, however I really feel a reputable objective for the crew is to separate these two, take two of three again in Arizona, after which cut up once more again in Philadelphia. Sure, rolling to 6-0 on the highway can be beautiful. But newsflash: the Phillies are good. Then once more, so have been the Brewers and the Dodgers…
Arizona has nothing to lose, and all the pieces to realize, with expectations a lot heavier in Philadelphia. But simply as on the finish of the common season, what has gone earlier than not issues – neither the D-backs’ sweep of the Dodgers, nor the Phillies’ defeat of the Braves change the very fact the collection is 0-0. It will likely be whoever performs higher within the Championship Series which determines the NL pennant. For the primary time in 16 years, the Diamondbacks are in that position, and I’ll take pleasure in this, almost no matter outcomes. As talked about, ish95 and I will likely be in State 48 at Westgate to observe, so count on a fast recap on completion, then a full one after Mrs. SnakePit has taken me home. Don’t drink and drive, people. 🙂
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