In a historic postseason feat, the Arizona Diamondbacks etched their name in the record books as the first team ever to hit four home runs in a single inning. The D-backs accomplished this remarkable feat in Game 3, securing a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers and completing a sweep of the best-of-five National League Division Series on a thrilling Wednesday night in Phoenix.
Arizona’s improbable yet impressive postseason journey began with a two-game sweep in the best-of-three wild-card series against the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers before delivering the knockout blow to the NL West champion Dodgers.
The D-backs’ historic home run spree came in the third inning, setting the stage for their decisive win. Geraldo Perdomo, batting ninth, led off the inning with a solo homer, followed by Ketel Marte, Christian Walker, and Gabriel Moreno, who all went deep off Dodgers pitcher Lance Lynn (0-1). Joe Mantiply (2-0) earned the win in relief, and Paul Sewald sealed the deal with his fourth save of the postseason.
Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, two of the Dodgers’ biggest stars, struggled throughout the series and went 0-for-8 in Game 3. As a duo, they finished the series 1-for-21 and struck out in a pivotal eighth-inning moment when they represented the tying run against Arizona reliever Kevin Ginkel.
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ remarkable postseason journey continues, and they now await the results of other playoff matchups as they aim to advance further and make a deep postseason run.
Astros Advance to AL Championship Series with Win Over Twins
Jose Abreu powered the Houston Astros to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis, securing their place in the American League Championship Series. Abreu, who went 2-for-4 with a pivotal two-run homer, played a crucial role in securing a 3-1 win in the best-of-five series.
The Astros, the defending World Series champions, clinched a place in the ALCS for the seventh consecutive season, a remarkable streak that only the Atlanta Braves have exceeded (eight consecutive championship series appearances).
With this victory, the Astros earned the opportunity to face the Texas Rangers in the best-of-seven ALCS. The first game of the series is scheduled for Sunday in Houston. Michael Brantley also contributed to the Astros’ win with a homer, and Chas McCormick finished 2-for-3.
Philadelphia Phillies Dominate Atlanta Braves in NL Division Series
In a commanding display of power, Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos each clubbed two home runs, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a resounding 10-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves. This win positions the Phillies just one win away from eliminating their division rivals from the National League Division Series for the second consecutive season.
Trea Turner and Brandon Marsh also added homers to the Phillies’ offensive showcase, while Aaron Nola (2-0) took charge on the mound, striking out nine over 5 2/3 innings. The Phillies now boast a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series and have established an impressive 9-2 record at home in the playoffs since 2022.
Harper’s multi-homer playoff performance, a first in his career, came in response to a baserunning error in Game 2, illustrating his big-game prowess. Castellanos, who had only one postseason home run to his name before Wednesday, joined Harper in an elite group of teammates to each hit two homers in the same playoff game, marking a historic moment in Major League history.
