ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Sedona Red Recap: D-backs advance to NLDS after wild win over Rockies

Oct 4, 2017, 10:55 PM | Updated: Oct 5, 2017, 8:31 am
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PHOENIX — After waiting five years for postseason baseball to return to Chase Field, the Arizona Diamondbacks made sure it would not be a short visit.

Highlighted by a postseason franchise record four triples plus home runs by Paul Goldschmidt and Daniel Descalso, the D-backs outlasted the Colorado Rockies, 11-8, to win the National League Wild Card Game in front of a sold-out crowd of 48,803, including MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, on Wednesday.

The D-backs advanced to the National League Division Series, where they’ll face the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ketel Marte tripled twice and drove in a run, while A.J. Pollock and Archie Bradley, yes, Archie Bradley, each had two-run triples; all part of a 17-hit attack.

Goldschmidt got things started with a three-run home run in the first, while Descalso connected on a two-run home run in the third inning to stake the D-backs to a 6-0 lead, knocking out Rockies starter Jon Gray (0-1) in the process.

The D-backs never trailed in the game. Twice, however, Colorado rallied to within a run, 6-5 and 8-7.

Zack Greinke lasted only 3.2 innings, allowing four runs — all in the fourth inning — on six hits with one walk and one strikeout.

Andrew Chafin (1-0) closed the door on the Rockies in the fourth to pick up the win, recording only one out and throwing just seven pitches.

Four pitchers followed: Robbie Ray (2.1 innings), Jorge De La Rosa (0.1), Bradley (1.1) and Fernando Rodney (1.0) to help maintain the lead for the D-backs, who earned the first home win by a National League Wild Card team since 2013.

The D-backs had not been to the playoffs since 2011.

THE GOOD

Three batters and eight pitches is how long it took for the D-backs to jump in front 3-0 in the first inning. After back-to-back singles by David Peralta and Marte, Goldschmidt ripped a first-pitch curveball high and deep into the seats in left field for a three-run home run. So much for that 0-for-17 to end the season. Goldschmidt entered the game 0-for-11 with five strikeouts in his career against Gray.

One inning later, the D-backs had knocked Gray from the ballgame. With one out and Peralta on first base after another base hit to center field, Marte lined a 96.8 mph fastball into the right-center gap for an RBI triple, extending the D-backs’ lead to 4-0 in the second. There had been some question as to Marte’s postseason availability. He left the regular-season finale in Kansas City with hamstring tightness.

Playing in his 38th postseason game, Descalso hit his third career postseason home run. It was a two-run shot to right field on a 1-1 offering from left-hander Tyler Anderson that extended the D-backs’ lead to 6-0 in the fourth inning. Descalso got the start at second base over Brandon Drury as manager Torey Lovullo elected to go with experience. On top of that, Descalso had played well at season’s end.

With two on and two outs in a one-run ballgame in the seventh inning, Lovullo allowed Bradley to hit for himself. And he delivered. In a big way. A very big way. Bradley laced a 2-2 slider from Pat Neshek into the left-center field gap for a two-run triple that extended the D-backs’ lead to 8-5. Chants of “Archie! Archie! Archie!” filled the ballpark. Bradley became the first relief pitcher to triple in the postseason.

It’s called insurance, and the D-backs bought some in the eighth inning. With two on and two outs and the home team clinging to a one-run lead, Pollock lined a triple to center field scoring J.D. Martinez and Jake Lamb. Mathis added a bunt single to plate a third run, pushing the D-backs’ lead to 11-7. By the way, the D-backs became only the third team in postseason history with four or more triples in a game.

THE BAD

For the first time this season, Greinke was unable to complete at least four innings. He appeared to be in cruise control early, retiring the first seven batters faced and had thrown three scoreless innings before trouble arose in the fourth. Four singles and a double by Jonathan Lucroy produced four runs, trimming the D-backs’ lead to two, 6-4.

Through four innings, the D-backs had left five runners on base, four of whom were stranded in scoring position including three 90-feet away at third base. Two runners were left on base in the first and fourth innings, while one was stranded in the second. During this stretch, the D-backs went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

He giveth and he taketh away; and all of a sudden what was a three-run cushion was reduced to one, 8-7, once again. Bradley, perhaps tired from running the bases the previous half inning, surrendered back-to-back eighth-inning solo home runs — both on 1-1 counts — to Nolan Arenado (left-center field concourse) and Trevor Story (right field).

STAT OF THE GAME, part I

5: Of the D-backs’ 17 hits, five went for extra bases, including four triples. They scored 10 of their 11 runs via the extra-base hit.

STAT OF THE GAME, part II

6: The D-backs improved to 6-0 in “win-or-go-home” playoff games at Chase Field.

HE SAID IT

“This ballpark with big gaps, the ball can move quickly through the grass. I think triples in this ballpark don’t totally surprise me,” Lovullo said. “But if you compile four in one game, it’s a little bit of a shock. After one day, I think I’ve seen everything, and this was an incredible game.”

NOTED

Greinke threw a first-pitch strike to 12-of-18 batters. In addition, he reached a three-ball count two times.

Goldschmidt now has three career postseason home runs, the third-most in D-backs franchise history.

Goldschmidt now has eight career postseason RBI, tied for the third-most in D-backs franchise history.

Marte became the first player in D-backs franchise history to record two triples in a postseason game.

Lamb finished 4-for-5 with three runs scored and tied a franchise postseason record for the number of hits in one game.

With a first-pitch temperature of 96 degrees, the game was played with both the roof and panels closed.

NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner threw out the ceremonial first pitch. It was a strike, of course.

A larger American flag was displayed in center field as Jesse McGuire performed the National Anthem.

A moment of silence was held in remembrance of the 59 people killed in Sunday’s Las Vegas shootings.

The first 45,000 fans in the ballpark received a D-backs Rally Towel courtesy of the D-backs’ sponsors.

Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Suns managing partner Robert Sarver attended the game.

UP NEXT

It’s a quick turnaround for the D-backs, not that anyone is complaining of course.

Their postseason run continues with another playoff matchup against an opponent from the NL West, the L.A. Dodgers, beginning on Friday. It’s Game 1 of the NLDS.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with pregame coverage beginning 30 minutes earlier on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

The D-backs are one of only two teams — Colorado being the other — to have a winning record versus the Dodgers this season. They went 11-8, including 5-5 at Dodgers Stadium. And on their last visit to Southern California, just last month, the D-backs swept the Dodgers, outscoring baseball’s best team, 19-2.

By the way, this series is a best-of-five format with Game 3 and 4 (if necessary) set for Monday and Tuesday, respectively, at Chase Field.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley, center, celebrate his two-run triple against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies' Trevor Story watches his solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home as Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso looks away during the eighth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez (28) high-fives Jake Lamb (22) after they scored on a two-run triple by A.J. Pollock during the eighth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez (28) scores on a two-run triple by A.J. Pollock during the eighth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock heads to first on a two-run triple against the Colorado Rockies during the eighth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story sits in the dugout as the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in 
Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Fernando Rodney throws during the ninth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) celebrates after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon, left, watches the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt (44) high-fives Ketel Marte (4) and David Peralta after hitting a three run home against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray throws to an Arizona Diamondbacks batter during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, pool) Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt (44) high-fives David Peralta and Ketel Marte (4) after hitting a three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws to a Colorado Rockies batter during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, pool) Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) greets teammates in the dugout after hitting a three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws to the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) The Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks line up for the national anthem prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte connects for a base hit against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws to a Colorado Rockies batter during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray throws to an Arizona Diamondbacks batter during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso follows through on a two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the third inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso (3) is greeted by Jake Lamb (22) after Descalso's two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the third inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws to a Colorado Rockies batter during the second inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies catcher Jonathan Lucroy talks with starting pitcher Jon Gray during the second inning before Gray was removed from the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray flips the ball after giving up a base hit during the second inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies' Jonathan Lucroy (21) scores on a base hit by Alexi Amarista as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jeff Mathis stands near the plate during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke waits to be removed during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) is removed by manager Torey Lovullo (17) during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies' Alexi Amarista follow through on an RBI base hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies' Gerardo Parra follows through on an RBI base hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies' Nolan Arenado follows through on a base hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte applauds while looking to the dugout after hitting a triple against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte follows through on a triple against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez, right, tries to avoid the tag by Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jeff Mathis after a dropped third strike during the fifth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies' Nolan Arenado (28) avoids an inside pitch from the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray throws against the Colorado Rockies during the fifth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies' Ian Desmond reacts to striking out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies' Charlie Blackmon leaves the batter's box on an RBI sacrifice bunt during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies' Jonathan Lucroy (21) returns to the dugout after scoring on a sacrifice bunt by Charlie Blackmon during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley (25) celebrate his two-run triple against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Jake Lamb scores on a two-run triple by Archie Bradley during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso (3) scores on a two-run triple by Archie Bradley during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley rounds the bases on his two-run triple against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley celebrates his two-run triple against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon stretches prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt takes batting practice prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Brandon Drury waits to hit prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb laughs prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt laughs prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt waits his turn for batting practice prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado hits prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez prepares to hit prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu waits to hit during batting practice for the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black watches batting practice prior to the team's National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks grounds crew position the postseason logo prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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