The Arizona Diamondbacks clinched a much-needed victory in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) with a spectacular bullpen performance. Now, they’re aiming to level the best-of-seven series at two games apiece in Game 4 against the Philadelphia Phillies by leaning on their formidable relief corps from the get-go.
In a strategic move, Arizona will employ the services of 2022 All-Star Joe Mantiply as the opener in a bullpen game. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo is banking on his bullpen to replicate the outstanding performance they showcased in Game 3, where four relievers combined to concede just one hit (an infield single) over 3 1/3 innings.
On the Phillies’ side, the 26-year-old left-hander Cristopher Sanchez, making his postseason debut, is set to take the mound for Game 4. While it may not be a matchup of star-studded pitchers, the stakes remain high.
Mantiply has previously faced the Phillies this season, allowing four runs in three innings. In his career, he has struggled with a 7.36 regular-season ERA in five relief outings against Philadelphia. His Game 2 NLCS performance was less than stellar, as he gave up three runs while recording only one out.
“It’s not a perfect science what we do here,” Lovullo stated regarding his pitching choices for Game 4. “We feel like we’re very thorough when we discuss it, looking to maximize the potential to keep a potent offense in check.”
Sanchez, on the other hand, made 18 starts out of 19 regular-season appearances for the Phillies this year, posting a 3-5 record with a 3.44 ERA. His last appearance at Chase Field was forgettable, allowing five runs in just two outs during a relief outing on Aug. 29, 2022. His career numbers against Arizona reflect a concerning 27.00 ERA.
Sanchez’s most recent start came on Sept. 24, where he struck out 10 while throwing seven innings of two-run ball in a victory over the New York Mets. Phillies manager Rob Thomson expressed confidence in Sanchez’s abilities, even though they face a lineup with numerous right-handed hitters.
The Phillies, who claimed the National League title last season, are aiming for their ninth pennant in franchise history. They’ve performed admirably in the postseason, boasting an 18-8 record under Thomson.
As for the Diamondbacks, their six-game losing streak in NLCS play ended with a dramatic walk-off win in Game 3. It was their first NLCS victory since 2001. In 2007, they were swept in four games by the Colorado Rockies. The team will look to make history by becoming one of the few teams to win a seven-game postseason series after falling behind 2-0.
Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt, who played a pivotal role in the Game 3 win, praised the team’s fighting spirit, emphasizing their refusal to give up.
The Phillies, who were limited to just three hits in Game 3, aim to regroup and continue their playoff journey. Despite having hit 19 home runs this postseason, they failed to launch one in Thursday’s game.
“It was a great ballgame,” said Thomson. “It could have gone either way. I’m going to think about coming in here (Friday) and getting ready to compete.”
The upcoming Game 4 holds immense significance for both teams as they battle for supremacy in the NLCS.
