The Arizona Diamondbacks continue their impressive postseason run as they head home for Game 3 of the National League Division Series. Having secured a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Diamondbacks are on the verge of eliminating their division rivals.
The Diamondbacks have seen just about everything go their way, with a total of nine first-inning runs scored over two games. They’ve also limited star Dodgers pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Bobby Miller to just two innings combined.
Manager Torey Lovullo emphasizes the team’s early impact, stating, “We talked about making statements early. They have continued to maintain their competitive focus through any situation, days off, just doesn’t matter. These guys are very hungry, and they feel like they have a lot to prove. … Obviously, we feel good about it, but we will take nothing for granted. We will continue to stay humble and work very hard.”
Rising star Corbin Carroll has been a standout for the Diamondbacks, going 3-for-7 in the series with a home run and three walks, boasting a .600 on-base percentage. Tommy Pham is also on fire, with a 6-for-10 record, including a home run, while Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is 3-for-9 with a double and a home run.
On the pitching front, starters Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen have combined to concede just two runs over 11 2/3 innings. In Game 2, the Diamondbacks’ relievers, including Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, and Paul Sewald, kept the Dodgers from scoring over the final 3 1/3 innings.
Reliever Paul Sewald highlighted the team’s confidence, saying, “I think we’re going out there with a lot of confidence, not afraid to lose. It certainly helps when you score six in the first and three in the first to feel better about yourself, obviously.”
In Game 3, the Diamondbacks will entrust rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt with the start, while the Dodgers will counter with right-hander Lance Lynn, known for his impressive season despite yielding a major league-leading 44 home runs.
Pfaadt struggled against the Dodgers during the regular season, going 0-2 with a 9.35 ERA in two starts. He’s expected to have a limited pitch count, possibly two turns through the order. In contrast, Lynn boasts a 6-1 lifetime record against the Diamondbacks, accompanied by a 2.96 ERA in 14 appearances, including 12 starts.
The Dodgers faced pitching woes throughout the season due to injuries, and they currently find themselves in a challenging situation. With an offense that has yet to find its rhythm, they need to make adjustments quickly to avoid elimination.
MVP candidates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman have struggled, with a combined 1-for-13 at the top of the order. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts highlighted Betts’s approach, mentioning, “Mookie, I think he’s expanding a little bit. … I think the first couple of games it seems more that he’s being aggressive on pitchers’ pitches.”
The Dodgers find themselves in a critical position, facing a potential three-game exit against their division rivals. As Roberts acknowledged, “Obviously everything’s more magnified. It’s two games, but our backs are against the wall. We’ve got to make some type of adjustments, and we have no more margin (for error).”
