Diamondbacks advance to first NLDS since 2017

Arizona Diamondbacks celebrating following their advancement to the NLDS. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Diamondbacks advance to NLDS for first time since 2017

By Nicholas Nathanson | Last updated 10/4/23

You know what they say, October is the month of magic. Back on Sept. 30 , the Diamondbacks clinched a playoff spot. Wednesday night, in Game 2 of their NLWC series against the Milwaukee Brewers, for the second straight evening, they found themselves in familiar territory down multiple runs. For the second straight night, they rallied back and prevailed.

Backed by strong pitching from Cy Young contender Zac Gallen, another impressive showing from rookie right fielder Corbin Carroll and a gem from the bullpen, the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5-2, advancing to the NLDS for the first since 2017.

WE'RE MOVING ON. #EmbraceTheChaos pic.twitter.com/KoNsWv87Ie
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 5, 2023

The Diamondbacks found themselves in treacherous territory in the bottom of the eighth leading by a 5-2 score. With the bases loaded and one out, 26-year-old Andrew Saalfrank was called on in relief with a tall task looming. And for the second straight night, the team escaped a bases-loaded situation with no harm. Saalfrank got out of the jam with a heads-up throw to home plate, followed by a routine groundball out on the next play.

Then, an inning later in the bottom of the ninth, the Brewers had the tying run batting with two outs ands William Contreras at the dish. Diamondbacks reliever Patrick Sewald struck him out on three pitches, ensuring there would be no extra innings.

Now, the Diamondbacks move on.

Their next task won't be any easier. Next up is a matchup with the Dodgers, a rematch of the 2017 NL Division Series where they were swept 3-0. Arizona lost 8-of-13 against Los Angeles this year, including five straight and will enter as the underdog, looking to make their first NLCS appearance since 2007.

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