A Shift in Momentum: Phillies Lead the NLCS as Series Moves to Arizona

The first two games of the National League Championship Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks proved to be everything fans had expected. Citizens Bank Park was filled with electric energy as fans stood for the entirety of the games, decibel levels soared after homeruns, and catchy walkup songs echoed through the stadium. The Phillies capitalized on their home-field advantage, smacking six homers and outscoring the D-backs 15-3 to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. However, as the series shifts to Chase Field in Arizona for Game 3, the Diamondbacks are eager to respond in a big way.

After a disappointing 10-0 loss in Game 2, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo emphasized the need for the team to regroup and play their signature brand of baseball. Lovullo acknowledged that their performance in the first two games was not indicative of what they are capable of and expressed the importance of finding a way to get it done.

While the odds are stacked against them, with teams taking a 2-0 lead in best-of-seven series winning 84% of the time, the Diamondbacks are determined to make a comeback. Historically, only two teams have rallied from a 2-0 deficit in the past 26 years, showing just how challenging this task will be for Arizona. However, the Phillies are well aware that the series is far from over and recognize the strength of their opponents. Catcher J.T. Realmuto emphasized the need to continue their strong performance and acknowledged the talent of the Diamondbacks, stating that they have to go into their stadium and continue to play at a high level.

Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. MST) and will be televised on TBS. Fans in the U.S. can also watch the game on MLB.TV with authentication to a participating Pay TV provider. The game will be available live internationally, with full game archives becoming available approximately 90 minutes after the game ends.

The Diamondbacks will send right-handed pitcher Brandon Pfaadt to the mound for Game 3. Pfaadt, a rookie, started Game 3 of the NLDS against the Dodgers and pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings before being pulled. Meanwhile, the Phillies will turn to left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez, who has been a key contributor for the team in the postseason. Suárez boasts an impressive record of 1-0 with a 1.04 ERA in two starts this postseason and has been one of the Phillies’ most reliable performers in recent years.

Both teams are expected to stick with their projected starting lineups for Game 3. The Diamondbacks have kept the same nine starters throughout the postseason, making only minor adjustments based on the opposing pitcher. The Phillies have been hitting at a historic pace and are unlikely to make any major changes to their lineup for Game 3.

In terms of bullpen usage, the Diamondbacks’ high-leverage relievers have not seen much action in this series, so they should be well-rested and fully ready to go. Manager Torey Lovullo has expressed his intention to use the bullpen more aggressively in Game 3 and 4. On the other hand, the Phillies have an array of bullpen options at their disposal. While closer roles were typically designated for right-hander Craig Kimbrel or left-hander José Alvarado during the regular season, manager Joe Thomson has shown a willingness to utilize his highest-leverage arms in key spots earlier in the game during the playoffs. The Phillies can rely on right-handers Jeff Hoffman, Seranthony Domínguez, and Orion Kerkering, as well as left-handers Matt Strahm and Gregory Soto.

In terms of injuries, the Diamondbacks will be without outfielder Jake McCarthy, who was removed from the roster before Game 1 of the Wild Card Series due to a strained right oblique. Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins remains on the 60-day injured list following left ACL surgery in March, but there is a possibility he could be added to the roster if the Phillies advance to the World Series.

As for hot and cold streaks, Diamondbacks outfielder Ketel Marte has been consistent with hits in every postseason game so far. However, the offense as a whole has been struggling to get men on base and score runs. The Diamondbacks have only recorded one two-strike hit in the series. On the other hand, the Phillies’ offense has been on fire. They have hit 15 homers in their past four games, setting a new record for the most homers by any team in a four-game stretch in playoff history. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner have been particularly impressive, each having multiple home runs in the series.

As the series shifts to Arizona, the Diamondbacks will look to turn the tide and get back in the fight. The Phillies, however, are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead and will continue to rely on their strong pitching, solid defense, and red-hot offense. Game 3 promises to be an intense battle as both teams fight for a pivotal win in this NLCS showdown.