So, it turns out the Arizona Diamondbacks do have a little life after all.
In a classic Game 3 nail-bitter that the D-backs absolutely had to win, Arizona may not have set the world on fire with their bats, but they did what they had to do to come out on top and cut their NLCS deficit to 2-1.
Arizona was on their death beds in the series, but Ketel Marte’s clutch walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning turned the entire series around.
Wayyyy louder than Philly and I’ve been to both
— devHIM Cooker (@240hz1ms) October 20, 2023
“After my hit, I sprinted so hard,” Marte said, still catching his breath, as he stood at his clubhouse locker shortly after the game.
Thank goodness, we signed this guy to a long-term deal.
— Rakka Suripa & Sukaruhakkā (@Siats4197Sime) October 20, 2023
Marte, who has been a standout player for the Diamondbacks throughout the postseason, spoke confidently about his game-deciding at-bat.
“I’m not a pressure guy … I know what kind of hitter I am,” he said.
#EmbraceTheChaos pic.twitter.com/dOD6kIP0Wk
— potro indomable (@oscarsainzdback) October 20, 2023
The game remained tense throughout, with rookie Brandon Pfaadt delivering a remarkable pitching performance, throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings, which laid the groundwork for the D-backs late-game heroics.
Pfaadt’s consistent form in the postseason has been a significant asset for the team, as he became the first pitcher in postseason history to achieve two consecutive outings without giving up any runs or walks.
Dude was amazing!!! Glad they pulled him they will need him fresh again before it’s all said and done.
— Serialcentrist (@twentypiece) October 20, 2023
“It was fun … I had a lot of things working. I was able to hone-in on a few things, execute the way I wanted and get some big outs,” Pfaadt said.
The Phillies had initially taken the lead in the seventh inning when Bryce Harper scored on a wild pitch … However, Arizona swiftly responded, with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. delivering an RBI double to tie the game.
Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson acknowledged the intensity of the game, stating: “It could have gone either way, you know … What are you going to do? I’m not going to think about it that way. I’m going to think about coming in here tomorrow and getting ready and getting ready to compete.”
Me when I saw that walk off pic.twitter.com/X91LxlKOyF
— A.B (@FW_A_B) October 20, 2023
Game 4 is tonight at 8:07pm EST.
The probable pitchers are Cristopher Sánchez for Philadelphia and Joe Mantiply for Arizona.
Will the D-backs even up the series???
Does Philly have any reason to worry???
— Cactus Jacc 🌵☄️🐍 (@Cactus_Jacc) October 20, 2023