After trailing 3-2 in the series, they tied it up in game six in Philadelphia and sealed their comeback with a win at Citizens Bank Park. They will now face the Texas Rangers in the World Series.
Diamondbacks rookie Corbin Carroll played a pivotal role, contributing three crucial hits. He expressed his team’s belief in each other, saying, “We just believed in each other, and believed in our guys… to be at this point is unbelievable.”
Reliever Kevin Ginkel, who played a crucial role in the game, highlighted the team’s resilience, stating, “This team battles. We find different ways to win games… I’m going to the World Series. It’s insane.”
The Diamondbacks managed to take a 4-2 lead by capitalizing on scoring opportunities and shutting down the Phillies’ offense with their bullpen.
They took an early lead in the first inning when Christian Walker grounded into a force out, sending Carroll across home plate. However, the Phillies quickly equalized as Alec Bohm hit a home run in the second inning.
The Phillies briefly took a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning with Bryson Stott’s double allowing Bohm to score. Arizona reclaimed the lead in the fifth inning when Gabriel Moreno’s line drive brought Carroll home for a 3-2 lead.
Carroll added another run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning, extending the lead to 4-2.
As the Phillies attempted a comeback in the bottom of the seventh, Diamondbacks’ reliever Kevin Ginkel stepped up and struck out key batters Trea Turner and Bryce Harper, leaving the Phillies with runners stranded on base.
Ginkel continued his strong performance in the eighth inning by striking out more Phillies batters. Closer Paul Sewald sealed the win in the ninth inning, leaving the home crowd in disbelief.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Arizona Diamondbacks as they advance to the World Series, capping off an impressive comeback in the National League Championship Series.
(With AFP inputs)