Tonight, the Phillies returned home to try to play their way to the World Series. During game #6, the Diamondbacks tried to force a final match.
Aaron Nola, who has had good series, however started things off badly. In the second inning, he gave two home runs in quick succession. Tommy Pham, back in the lineup, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. made it 2-0.
The DBacks made it 3-0 on an Evan Longoria double…and for the first time, a DBacks starter could work with the lead.
And Merrill Kelly appreciated it. The one who criticized the Philly crowd earlier in the series gave up one small run in five innings of work.
He worked as a pitcher who wanted to ensure that for the first time in the series, Philly would lose one at home.
While Nola escaped with four runs in less than five innings, Kelly finished the fifth with confidence… and he didn’t come back. He wasn’t happy, anyway.
But like when Brandon Pfaadt left Game #3 of the series, the DBacks manager pressed the right buttons by releasing a pitcher quickly. The attack made it 5-1 and the relief did nothing.
Result? The Diamondbacks won Game #6, forcing a Game #7 that will take place tomorrow night in Philadelphia, once again.
Ranger Suarez and Brandon Pfaadt should be there automatically.
The winner of the game tomorrow will face the Astros or the Rangers, who play at 8 p.m. tonight, in the World Series starting Friday.