On Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park, the Philadelphia Phillies pounded the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-0 in game two of the 2023 National League Championship Series. They now travel to Arizona to put the National League Championship in the rearview for the Diamondbacks. It was a pitcher’s duel in the desert. Unfortunately, the Phillies came out on the wrong end, losing 2-1. Phillies still up 2-1 in the series.
Phillies fans have definitely done their part at home. They now travel west to celebrate their favorite baseball team. For those who can’t take part in “Silent October.” Tickets are so cheap they are buying tickets not to allow local Dback fans to purchase them. Only Philadelphia fans.
Pitchers Duel in the Desert
Through the first three innings, the young Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt kept the Phillies batters on their heels. The only Phillie hits were Tre Turner with a single to right field in the first, and Brandon Marsh doubled in the third. Pfaadt tallies up nine strikeouts. Dbacks manager Torey Lovullo pulls Pfaadt in the sixth inning after going through the Phillies lineup twice. Fans were not happy after only 70 pitches were thrown and dominating the Phillies offense.
Ranger Suarez dazzles in his second game of the postseason. He went pitch-for-pitch with Pfaadt. Ranger stuck out seven batters of his own. He only let up three hits and a walk. Suarez was pulled in the sixth, leaving Marte on third and one out. Jeff Hoffman comes in relief for Suarez.
To the Bullpen
Jeff Hoffman is able to strike out Gabriel Moreno and get Christian Walker to ground out to end the inning, stranding Marte at third base. Orion Kerkering shows that he is actually human. He allowed three hits, and one run scored off a double. Jose Alvardo is able to induce a double play with some excellent defense from Trea Turner and Bryce Harper.
Alvarado plays Superman in the seventh and eighth innings. After Kerkering falters, he comes in to shut the door. He also keeps the heart of the Arizona order at bay in the bottom of the eighth. He allows a double off a misplayed shot to centerfield. That is all after an intentional walk.
Scoring Coming at a Premium
In this pitcher’s duel, scoring comes at a premium. The Phillies get the first run on the board with a wild pitch from the side-arm-throwing Ryan Thompson. In the next inning, the Dbacks struck back. A single from Tommy Pham, who is then pinched, ran for. Alek Thomas runs in his place. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. scores Thomas on a double down the third base line to the wall. Ryan Smith pinches hits for Longoria and gets a single with runners on the corners. Alvarado gets three outs in three pitches, keeping the game tied at one.
Heartbreak in the Ninth
The heartbreak came in the ninth inning. Phillies are not able to tack on any runs. They go into the bottom half of the inning. Pavin Smith singles on a ground ball to second baseman Bryson Stott. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to 3rd. No out recorded, and players on the corners. Emmanuel Rivera reaches on a fielder’s choice in what looks to be a favorable moment for the Phillies. Trea Turner throws to J. T. Realmuto at home and gets Lourdes Gurriel Jr. out at home. Geraldo Perdomo walks and moves Pavin Smith to 3rd and Emmanuel Rivera to 2nd.
The end was nigh when Ketel Marte stepped to the plate. He singles on a line drive to center field, scoring Pavin Smith. Phillies suffer their first loss of the NLCS. It truly was a pitcher’s duel in the desert. The Phillies lost 2-1. Game four is Friday at 8:07 PM EST.
Al is one of the two co-creators of Edge of Philly Sports. Al started radio and podcasting in 2012 and covering sports in 2015. A lifelong Philly sports fan since watching the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers with his grandfathers at age 7. Al always looks at the other side of the hot topics and gives his different outlook on those topics. Web and Graphic Design.
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