ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Randomness was D-backs’ friend, not foe in NL Wild Card Game win

Oct 4, 2017, 11:15 PM | Updated: Oct 5, 2017, 11:30 am
The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game agains...

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)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

PHOENIX — All week long when somebody would ask what concerned me the most about this game, it wasn’t the Goldy slump. It wasn’t Zack Grienke’s past two shaky outings or a lack of faith in Fernando Rodney.

It was the randomness of it all. In a season where 162 games and over 1400 innings were played, only nine would be used to determine who advanced. Anything, literally anything, can happen in a singular nine-inning baseball game.

In the end, I was right. Something very random determined the outcome of this game.

Archie Bradley hit a two-run triple to pad a lead the D-backs would not relinquish. It doesn’t get any more random than that.

What I feared the most actually morphed into the D-backs’ most valuable weapon. A triple. From a reliever. Bradley has been one of their best assets all year but that triple wasn’t exactly how the brain trust drew it up.

Now it’s on to Los Angeles, a series that hopefully hasn’t been neutered somewhat by the absolutely necessary emergency managing of Torey Lovullo. More on that in a moment.

But first, Archie.

The play was so large and the roar so earsplitting it easily became one of the most memorable moments the building has seen. And, boy, it’s seen a lot of them.

One sportswriter friend of mine tweeted that at that moment Archie might have surpassed Larry Fitzgerald in terms of popularity in the Valley. After a moment and perhaps an evil eye from Fitz, reason was restored and he walked it back a little.

Jake Lamb was asked postgame what the turning point in the contest was and he responded: “I’m gonna regret this but it has to be Archie’s knock.” Of course, his good friend Bradley was sitting right next to him.

Lovullo was asked his thoughts when Bradley turned second, he replied: “I was thinking, please stop right there.”

But Bradley isn’t hard-wired to stop. He’s taken on this role as the spiritual leader of this team and worn it like a man who has been training his whole life for this moment. Stop? You might as well be asking someone to not breathe.

So run he did, and likely paid the price for it the next inning when he gave up the two homers. In the end that will become more of a footnote to the night thanks in part to the efforts of A.J. Pollock’s two-run triple, Lamb’s fourth hit of the night and J.D. Martinez avoiding a double play on a slow roller.

Not to mention everything that preceded it. Goldy’s slump-busting bomb. Daniel Descalso shot that proved he had every right to be Lovullo’s second baseman tonight.

And of course the work of Robbie Ray.

He was on this roster to serve as the managers “In-Case-Of-Emergency-Break-Glass” guy and Lovullo smashed the glass and pulled the alarm in fourth after Greinke allowed his cushy 6-0 lead go up in Colorado smoke.

The right play, the only play, is to play for now. Lovullo knew it and didn’t hesitate to act on it.

There’s no reason to save Ray for a game you might not play in. Greinke’s disappointing outing has certainly put his, and Ray’s, availability for at least the early part of the Dodgers series in real jeopardy, but to be perfectly honest, so what. In this crazy one game format, all that matters is now.

Tomorrow, this team will have one hell of a hangover and one mighty tough decision to make with their hands tied behind their back. It is no way to go into a series against a team that was virtually being handed the title a month and a half ago.

But this is postseason baseball in 2017.

If the D-backs can win an elimination game in which Greinke and Bradley combine to give up six runs then perhaps randomness is their friend and not their foe.

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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