With a playful grin and a bottle of champagne in hand, Merrill Kelly of the Diamondbacks enthusiastically chased after Corbin Carroll around the visitors’ clubhouse at American Family Field. This lively pursuit followed an impassioned, profanity-laden pep talk by their manager, Torey Lovullo, who urged the team to celebrate.
The Diamondbacks, who had only won 84 games in the regular season, shocked everyone by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers, a team with 92 wins, in two consecutive games, sealing their victory with a 5-2 win. This triumph marked their first postseason series win since 2007, propelling them into the best-of-five division series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Their recent wins reflected the Diamondbacks’ resilience and teamwork, as they consistently fought back from early deficits. The players emphasized the importance of quality at-bats and a united team effort.
Previously, the Diamondbacks seemed burdened by the pressure of making it to the postseason, but in this series, they appeared transformed. They exhibited patience at the plate and delivered crucial hits when needed. They embraced the underdog role, making their victories even sweeter.
The turning point in the game came in the sixth inning when the Diamondbacks, led by Geraldo Perdomo’s walk and Corbin Carroll’s double, rallied to take the lead. The team’s ability to keep the line moving and support one another was crucial.
The Diamondbacks received solid pitching from Zac Gallen and a strong bullpen performance, which helped secure the victory. Despite some tense moments in the eighth inning, they held their ground and emerged victorious.
As they celebrated their triumph in the plastic-lined clubhouse, it was evident that they relished proving their doubters wrong. The Diamondbacks had not won a postseason series since 2007, making this victory all the more meaningful.
Their swift victory against the Brewers positioned them well for the upcoming division series against the Dodgers, with Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen set to lead the way. General Manager Mike Hazen expressed excitement about the challenges ahead, emphasizing the joy of competing in the postseason.
For Lovullo, the moment was especially significant, as he recalled a challenging game two years ago when he confronted his team in frustration. Now, they had come full circle and stood on the cusp of facing the Dodgers, despite their past struggles against them.
In the end, the Diamondbacks remained undaunted, focused on the promise of what lay ahead in their playoff journey.
