The Arizona Diamondbacks secured a spot in the NLDS by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in an impressive two-game sweep on the road.
Arizona opened the NL Wild Card Round on Tuesday with a remarkable 6-3 comeback victory over the Brewers in Game 1. Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and Gabriel Moreno showcased their prowess with home runs that paved the way for this crucial win.
In Game 2, the Diamondbacks found themselves in a similar predicament, trailing the Brewers before staging another comeback to secure a 5-2 victory. Marte, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Alek Thomas played pivotal roles in this dramatic turnaround.
These consecutive comeback victories have demonstrated Arizona’s resilience and determination. However, their next challenge will be against the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.
Start times announced for Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS, Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium:
Game 1: Saturday, 6:20 p.m.
Game 2: Monday, 6:07 p.m.— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) October 5, 2023
The Dodgers had a strong regular season, boasting an 8-5 record against the Diamondbacks. Notably, they were particularly dominant against Arizona at Dodger Stadium, holding a 5-2 home record and splitting 3-3 on the road.
With the Dodgers enjoying home-field advantage, the Diamondbacks face a daunting task against a seasoned opponent. Nevertheless, Arizona has exceeded expectations throughout the year.
Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Christian Walker have been the leaders at the plate for the Diamondbacks this season. Carroll, in his rookie season, has garnered attention and is considered a strong candidate for the NL Rookie of the Year award, finishing the regular season with a .285 batting average, 25 home runs, 76 RBI, and 54 stolen bases.
Walker also enjoyed a career-best season, hitting .258 with 33 home runs, 103 RBI, and 11 stolen bases.
On the pitching front, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly have been vital for the Diamondbacks.
Gallen delivered a stellar performance, going 17-9 with a 3.47 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 220 strikeouts in 210 innings across 34 starts. Kelly posted a 12-8 record with a 3.29 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 187 strikeouts in 177.2 innings over 30 starts.
"If you're scared, stay home."
Zac Gallen and the Diamondbacks face the Dodgers next in the NLDS. pic.twitter.com/D4mQn0191A
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) October 5, 2023
In contrast, the Dodgers boast a roster laden with championship experience, featuring the likes of Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez and Clayton Kershaw to name a few.
Betts was a standout player for the Dodgers this season, hitting .307 with 39 home runs, 107 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. Freeman’s performance was equally impressive, batting .331 with 29 home runs, 102 RBI, and 23 stolen bases.
Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young winner, led the Dodgers on the mound with a 13-5 record, a 2.46 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 137 strikeouts in 131.2 innings across 24 starts.
Do the Diamondbacks have any chance to knock off the Dodgers???