ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs executive Tony La Russa proud of team’s ‘readiness to compete’

Oct 5, 2017, 1:17 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte follows through on a triple against the Colorado Rockies during t...
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)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
LISTEN: Tony La Russa, Diamondbacks special advisor

Arizona Diamondbacks chief baseball analyst and advisor Tony La Russa had a hard time picking out his favorite moment of Wednesday’s 11-8 NL Wild Card game win over the Colorado Rockies in front of a sellout crowd at Chase Field.

Trying to pick out one standout moment from a contest that featured a two-RBI triple from Archie Bradley, four total triples, hits up and down the lineup and the second most combined runs in a winner-take-all playoff game would probably be hard for anyone.

But La Russa was impressed by one particular aspect of the D-backs triumph — what led up to it anyway.

“It was the preparation, the readiness to compete that was obvious from that team from the first pitch to the last one,” La Russa told Doug & Wolf on 98.7 FM, Arizona’s Sports Station. “They got in, what was it September 24th or 25th, they had some days, a week to get ready. It was an incredibly impressive effort by the manager, coaching staff, the people upstairs are all apart of getting that team ready to play, and for the players to embrace it…”

The Diamondbacks were clearly ready to play right from the get-go. Rockies starter Jon Gray left breaking balls up in the zone and the D-backs made him pay for it.

Coming into the game, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt was 0-for-11 in his career against Gray. With one swing of the bat on the first pitch, Goldschmidt reversed his fortunes against the Colorado right hander. A three-run blast to left staked Arizona to an early lead and set the tone for the game.

But David Peralta’s single and Ketel Marte’s triple set up Goldschmidt’s big moment. Peralta has come through more than once since moving to the lead off spot. But after Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed both went down with injuries, Marte filled a void in the middle infield. The 23-year-old contributed with a patient approach at the plate and highlight-reel defense at shortstop.

“Watching him in camp, you really appreciate his skills,” La Russa said. “But watching him at Triple-A, I mean this guy was leading the minor league in hits. I was so impressed with his stroke and his relentless ability to take at-bats.”

Marte was recalled from the Reno Aces in late June. At the time of his call up, Marte was leading the Pacific Coast League in hits and had the sixth best batting average.

In his first postseason game Wednesday, Marte became the eighth player in MLB history to hit two triples in one postseason game. Peralta, Marte and Goldschmidt were a combined 8-for-15 (.533) with four RBI.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Munetaka Murakami #55 of Team Japan celebrates after hitting a two-run double to defeat Team Mexico...
Associated Press

Japan walks off Mexico to set up World Baseball Classic final vs. USA

Shohei Ohtani sparked a ninth-inning rally as Japan walked off Mexico 6-5 to advance to the World Baseball Classic final against Team USA.
2 days ago
Tommy Henry #47 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the first inning of the game against the...
Arizona Sports

LHP Henry optioned as D-backs key in on final starting candidates

The Diamondbacks optioned Tommy Henry to Triple-A on Monday, whittling down their options to cement the backend of their starting rotation.
2 days ago
Starting pitcher Merrill Kelly #29 of Team USA throws a warm-up pitch during the first inning of th...
Alex Weiner

D-backs’ Merrill Kelly set up to start World Baseball Classic final for Team USA

Team USA "looks like" it will turn to Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly in the World Baseball Classic final on Tuesday. 
2 days ago
Paul Goldschmidt #46 of Team USA celebrates with Moookie Betts #3 after hitting a two-run home run ...
Associated Press

Turner, Goldschmidt lead Team USA to WBC final with win vs. Cuba

Defending champion United States romped over Cuba 14-2 on Sunday night to reach its second straight World Baseball Classic final.
3 days ago
David Peralta #6 and Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after scoring on a si...
Haboob Blog

Former D-backs OF David Peralta rekindles Eduardo Escobar’s cat fear with Team Venezuela

David Peralta had some fun with Eduardo Escobar's fear of cats when they were teammates with the Diamondbacks.
2 days ago
Brandon Pfaadt #90 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches in the second inning against the Cincinnati ...
Kellan Olson

Diamondbacks reassign Brandon Pfaadt, send Seth Beer to Triple-A

The Arizona Diamondbacks made 11 roster moves on Sunday that cut their spring training roster down to 40.
3 days ago
D-backs executive Tony La Russa proud of team’s ‘readiness to compete’