By The PenguinAz
NLDS: Az Diamondbacks vs LA Dodgers
What a great year to become a baseball fan for this guy aka ThePenguinAZ. The home team AZ Diamondbacks or The Answerbacks are in the NLDS against those Dodgers. This is new territory for this young AZ squad as well as myself. Becoming more interested in the game and becoming a lifelong fan this past year. I might have brought some chemistry aka mojo to the team. 2023 is the year to be victorious and World Series bound with solid gameplay and that warming up all season to hot pitching group.
![NLDS](https://www.bleacherbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Yelich-Carroll-1024x576.jpeg?x73141)
There were a few key factors in the Diamondbacks’ 2023 Wild Card Series win against the Brewers was the strong pitching performances from their starting rotation and bullpen. Game 1, despite being spotted a 3-0 lead, Brewers’ pitcher Corbin Burnes struggled and ultimately lost the lead by serving up three home runs.
In contrast, Diamondbacks’ starter Zac Gallen delivered a solid performance in Game 2, giving up just two runs over six innings while striking out four and walking three. The Diamondbacks’ bullpen also contributed 6⅓ innings of shutdown baseball after rookie starter Brandon Pfaadt in Game 1 exited in the third inning, helping to secure the sweep. Finally, the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff was a key factor in their success, limiting the Brewers’ offense and keeping the games close. Let’s go pitching improvement Yo!!!!
Another factor that contributed to the Diamondbacks’ Wild Card Series win was the offensive contributions from key players. In game 2, the Diamondbacks erased an early 2-0 deficit thanks to a wild pitch from Brewers’ pitcher Freddy Uribe and an RBI single from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. The Answerbacks’ offense exploded for four runs in the sixth inning of Game 2, with key hits from Ketel Marte and Nick Ahmed. The Diamondbacks’ lineup was able to capitalize on key opportunities and produce runs when it mattered most, helping to secure the sweep and advance to the NLDS.
![NLDS](https://www.bleacherbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Shock-1024x576.jpg?x73141)
Effective managerial decisions and game strategy also played a role in the Diamondbacks’ Wild Card Series win. Finally manager Torey Lovullo made the decision to start rookie pitcher Brandon Pfaadt in game 1 with turf toe and all, a move that paid off as Pfaadt delivered a solid performance before exiting in the third inning. Lovullo also made key decisions in Game 2, including bringing in relief pitcher Tyler Clippard to pitch a scoreless seventh inning and utilizing pinch-hitter Christian Walker to drive in a run.
Torey’s overall game strategy, including the defensive shifts and strategic substitutions, helped to keep the Brewers’ offense to a minimum and secure the sweep. Overall, the combination of strong pitching, timely hitting, and effective game management helped to propel the Diamondbacks to a Wild Card Series win over the Brewers. Bring on the Dodgers The Answerbacks Say. The 2013 Dodgers urinating in the pool will finally be avenged. Vamos Los Answerbacks!!!!
![](https://www.bleacherbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/TopFanRivalry_1920x240BNNR-copy-1024x128.png?x73141)