The Arizona Diamondbacks have secured their spot in the National League Division Series after sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card Series. It’s a remarkable achievement for the Diamondbacks, who just two years ago endured a dismal 110-loss season. Now, they are celebrating with champagne and looking forward to the next round.
The Diamondbacks’ confidence and belief in their abilities have played a significant role in their success. Pitcher Zac Gallen expressed their expectations of playing in October, reflecting the team’s mindset coming into the season. They have seen a shift in their performance since 2022 and have carried that momentum into this year.
This victory marks the franchise’s first appearance in the NL Division Series since 2017. The Diamondbacks will now face off against the NL West champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in a best-of-five series that kicks off on Saturday in Los Angeles.
On the other hand, the Milwaukee Brewers, who clinched the NL Central title, continue to struggle in the playoffs. They have lost nine out of their last ten playoff games, including their Game 7 defeat to the Dodgers in the 2018 NL Championship Series. Brewers manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the challenges of conquering the playoffs but expressed disappointment over their recent performances.
Attention now turns to Counsell’s future with the Brewers. He has managed the team since 2015 and has led them to five playoff appearances in the last six seasons. While the Brewers’ principal owner has expressed a desire to retain Counsell, the manager has yet to indicate whether he plans to return.
In the decisive game against the Brewers, it was Ketel Marte who delivered the key hit that put the Diamondbacks ahead for good. Marte’s two-run single came during a four-run rally in the sixth inning. Meanwhile, Arizona’s pitcher Zac Gallen rebounded after allowing two runs in the first inning, delivering a strong performance until the end of his six-inning outing.
The Diamondbacks’ journey to the playoffs demonstrates their rapid climb after a challenging couple of years. In 2021, they shared the worst record in MLB with the Baltimore Orioles, who also made it to the playoffs this year. However, they have turned things around, and their success can be attributed to standout performances from rookies like Corbin Carroll and solid contributions from pitchers Gallen and Merrill Kelly.
Manager Torey Lovullo expressed the significance of this moment for the organization and the players, considering the difficult times they have faced. The Diamondbacks’ turnaround is truly remarkable, and there is a lot of emotion among players and staff as they savor this achievement.
In conclusion, the Arizona Diamondbacks have advanced to the NL Division Series after a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card Series. Their journey from a 110-loss season to the playoffs is a testament to their determination and belief in their abilities. They will now face the Los Angeles Dodgers in a best-of-five series, while the Brewers face uncertainty regarding their manager’s future. It is a special and emotional moment for the Diamondbacks organization and their fans.
