Diamondbacks stun Dodgers, advance to NLCS for first time since 2007
The Arizona Diamondbacks have done the unthinkable. From July 9 to Aug. 11, they lost 21 of 26, needed Game 161 just to make the playoffs, and were given the eighth-worst odds to win the World Series in April. But now they're one step closer to accomplishing that goal.
With Thursday night's 4-2 win in Game 3 of the NLDS over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Diamondbacks have not only swept a team that was 16 games above them in their division and dominated them for years but have moved on to the NLCS for the first time since 2007.
As had been their postseason identity thus far, Thursday night was backed yet again by solid pitching and an extraordinary third inning where the Diamondbacks hit a postseason record four home runs.
The Diamondbacks, who hit the eighth-fewest HRs in the 2023 MLB regular season, have smashed 13 dingers through five postseason games.
With the Braves/Phillies NLDS series still ongoing, the Diamondbacks will likely benefit from the fact that they can have their starting pitching duo of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly available to start for Games 1 and 2.
They have combined for three wins in three starts, surrendering just four earned runs.
On the other side, the offense boasts a plethora of young talent in rising star Corbin Carroll and 23-year-old catcher Gabriel Moreno, who is the youngest catcher in MLB history to hit three HRs in a single postseason.
When the NLCS begins on Monday, the Diamondbacks will look to get one step closer and reach the World Series for the first time since 2001.
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