In a tale reminiscent of David and Goliath, the Arizona Diamondbacks, colloquially known as the D-backs, surged forward against all odds, besting the Los Angeles Dodgers in a thrilling three-game sweep during the NL Division Series. This surprise victory, reminiscent of their 2007 glory, propels them into the much-anticipated National League Championship Series.
Setting the Stage at Chase Field
As the evening twilight faded, Chase Field emerged as a fortress of hope and anticipation. With its stands brimming, fans – children, parents, grandparents, and baseball aficionados – created an electrifying atmosphere. They came with a singular wish: to witness their underdog team topple the Dodgers, a team that seemed invincible for the most part of the last decade.
Ken Kendrick, D-backs’ managing general partner, wore an expression that mingled disbelief with immense pride. With a chuckle, he mused:
The national media might need some more convincing, but those of us closer to home, we’ve seen the magic brew.
Tracing Back the D-backs’ Journey
The D-backs have had their fair share of ups and downs. Their pristine track record this postseason is commendable. Yet, the journey was peppered with hurdles. After conquering the Brewers, they had to wrestle with the weight of history. The last time they tasted multiple playoff series wins in a single year was back in 2001 – a year that saw them rise as the World Series champions.
But baseball, like life, is unpredictable. In 2007, the tables turned dramatically as the D-backs found themselves being brushed aside by the Rockies in the NLCS.
What Lies Ahead
Now, they stand on the brink of another chapter. The outcome between Philadelphia and Atlanta looms large. With the Phillies leading the series, Mike Hazen, the D-backs’ GM, acknowledges the challenges. “Both teams are powerhouses in their own right,” he stated, looking ahead with a mix of determination and respect.
Unraveling the Game-Changing Moments
The third inning is now etched in baseball folklore. The Dodgers, with Lance Lynn as their starter, found themselves in a whirlwind. The D-backs hit home run after home run, a total of four – a first in postseason history.
| Player | Home Run |
| Geraldo Perdomo | Yes |
| Ketel Marte | Yes |
| Christian Walker | Yes |
| Gabriel Moreno | Yes (after a brief misjudgment) |
Resilience Amid Challenges
Coming into the postseason, the D-backs faced skepticism. Their four-game losing streak raised eyebrows. Yet, what’s remarkable is their undying spirit. Despite finishing 16 games behind the 100-win Dodgers in the regular season, they have orchestrated one of baseball’s most significant upsets.
Savoring the Sweetness of Victory
The D-backs and Dodgers rivalry is one for the ages. Ken Kendrick’s humorous “900-pound gorilla” reference to the Dodgers highlights the monumental challenge they faced. Yet, this victory, against their long-standing rivals, holds special significance.
We were always the underdogs, but we’ve shown that with determination and teamwork, mountains can be moved.
The afterglow of their win was palpable. The team, in a jubilant mood, recreated their postseason berth celebration with a celebratory dip in the right-field wall pool.
Reflecting on the victory, D-backs ace Zac Gallen said:
We’ve had our battles, our struggles with the Dodgers. But this… this victory is something else. It’s sweet, given the underdog status we had.
Concluding Thoughts
In the realm of sports, moments like these stand out – moments where the perceived underdogs rise, showing that with the right mix of determination, teamwork, and a touch of magic, wonders can be achieved. The D-backs’ journey, especially their NLDS victory over the Dodgers, will be recounted for years to come, serving as a testament to the unpredictability and beauty of baseball.
