PHOENIX — The Diamondbacks continue to find ways to rise to the occasion and "answerback" in crucial situations. After a walk-off win in Game 3 of the NLCS thanks to a Ketel Marte single, Arizona is hopeful to even the series 2-2 at home inside Chase Field.
"That's exactly who we are," first baseman Christian Walker said. "We've been doing it all year, backs against the wall, need a performance, lately it's been Marte and somebody different shows up each day with this team."
Marte has been rock solid for this team ever since arriving in the postseason. As a matter of fact, going back to the 2017 postseason run with the D-backs, Marte is on a 12-game hitting streak.
It's an elevated performance each outing the team notices and leans on in big moments.
"Definitely needed a spark and we got it from him," outfielder Alek Thomas said. "It's a great feeling and Ketel has been a leader in this clubhouse all year and it was awesome to see him help this team out when we needed him most."
The D-backs will need more than just Marte to step up to the plate though, if they want any chance at beating this red-hot Phillies team who leads the postseason in home runs.
Rookie Bradon Pfaadt dazzled in his second postseason outing throwing 9 k's in 5.2 innings pitched but it will now be on the entire bullpen to try to match that outing in Game 4.
After losing the first two games in Philadelphia including a complete 10-0 blowout in Game 2, the D-backs are well aware of the narrative this team doesn't belong. Yet with a win in Game 3, the confidence and belief are remaining strong especially back home in the Valley.
"We've been in it all year," outfielder Corbin Carroll said. "We've been grinding since day one and I think the confidence comes from that. All these guys, we are still united. We came out of the rough times and are better for it."
The Diamondbacks amazingly are just three wins away from the pennant but need everything to go right in Game 4 if they want that goal to come to fruition. Joe Mantiply will get the start in what is a bullpen game for the D-backs as they hope to slow down the sluggers in Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and company.
Some may say the pressure is on the Diamondbacks but if they can maintain their brand of baseball behind a raucous home crowd inside Chase Field, the Phillies might be in for quite a surprise Friday evening.
Game 4: Friday, Oct. 20, 2023
- Gates open: 2:30 p.m.
- First pitch: 5:07 p.m.; Former Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will throw
- Giveaway: The first 40,000 fans through the gates will get a D-backs Rally Towel
- Anthem: Retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Steven Powell
- Roof status: Closed
- Tickets: dbacks.com/postseason
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