THE 5

The 5: Best Arizona Diamondbacks home playoff games at Chase Field

Oct 6, 2017, 6:10 AM

Arizona Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley (25) celebrate his two-run triple against the Colorado Rockies...

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)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

At a certain point in Wednesday’s National League Wild Card Game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, everyone had to realize they were watching something special at Chase Field.

The 19-run slugfest featured moment after moment, and that made those spectating wonder where it ranked among the best home playoff games in D-backs history.

We are here to help with that. Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable home games in Arizona Diamondbacks history.

1999 NLDS Game 2: D-backs vs. Mets

As we take on this journey, let’s start at the beginning.

In the D-backs’ first playoff series in franchise history, the 100-win 1999 D-backs dropped Game 1 at home to the New York Mets.

They responded well in Game 2, beating the Mets 7-1 for the team’s first playoff win.

Todd Stottlemyre picked up the win and Steve Finley had five RBI on a single, double and walk.

Arizona dropped the series in four games but established themselves as a playoff baseball team for the first time.

2001 World Series Game 6: D-backs vs. Yankees

There is another game in the World Series we have to get to later, of course, but it’s easy to forget the elimination game at Chase Field in Game 6.

Coming off two heartbreaking losses in New York — in 10 innings in Game 4 and 12 innings in Game 5 — all D-backs fans wanted was a fast start at home in order to restore the team’s momentum for the rest of the series and kill off the nerves.

The D-backs were aware, blowing out the Yankees 15-2 to force a Game 7.

They jumped all over Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte, having the 2001 ALCS MVP out of the game before the end of the third inning.

Pettitte exited in that third inning, with six earned runs to his name, but the real damage would go to Jay Witasick, who allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 1.1 innings.

The most amazing aspect of that eight-run third inning was the D-backs using only three extra-base hits during the barrage, and all of them were doubles.

While Danny Bautista finished the game with five RBI, it was a team effort, with eight other D-backs picking up an RBI, including the winning starting pitcher Randy Johnson.

2001 NLDS Game 5: D-backs vs. Cardinals

Speaking of Bautista, his slide into home for the series-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning and Tony Womack’s celebration will feature on franchise highlight videos for years to come.

The 2-1 victory for Arizona was nerve-wracking throughout, as despite having Curt Schilling on the mound, fans knew all it took was one swing of the bat from then-rookie Albert Pujols, J.D. Drew, Jim Edmonds, or Mark McGwire to give the Cardinals the edge.

Schilling was brilliant, though, pitching a complete game and allowing only one run.

His performance led to Womack’s RBI single to bring in Bautista for the walk-off win. Womack jumped up and down, pointing to the sky for his father, who had passed away earlier in the season.

2017 NL Wild Card Game: D-backs vs. Rockies

The 11-8 D-backs win had everything. Arizona had four triples, each team had an RBI bunt and D-backs reliever Andrew Chafin got the win for throwing seven pitches and recording one out in the fourth inning.

The D-backs took control early via Paul Goldschmidt’s three-run HR off Colorado starter Jon Gray after much was made of his slump and struggles against Gray.

After six unanswered runs to start the game, Colorado answered back with four in the fourth, ending Zack Greinke’s disappointing outing.

One run later, and it was 6-5 in the bottom of the seventh in front of an extremely nervy Chase Field crowd.

That comeback by the Rockies, however, led to one of the signature moments in franchise history.

Coming in to close out the seventh inning and resume his work in the eighth, reliever Archie Bradley was forced to hit in the bottom half with two outs.

Bradley, a fan favorite for his passion, ripped a triple to left-center, scoring two and leading to Bradley’s roar matching the crowd’s, the loudest the stadium had been in well over a decade.

There would be six runs combined by the teams in the last two innings, but Bradley’s triple will always be what fans remember most about the electric playoff game.

2001 World Series Game 7: D-backs vs. Yankees

FOX’s Joe Buck’s call of the last at-bat starts with “the chance of a lifetime for Luis Gonzalez,” and he was not exaggerating.

The game that features the biggest moment in franchise history and one of the biggest in the history of the sport had the highest possible drama for sports.

Closer Mariano Rivera, the best of all-time, had a one-run lead in the ninth. After a shocking error by Rivera, Tony Womack’s RBI double later in the inning made it a one-run game.

Craig Counsell was hit by a pitch on the next at-bat and the stage was set for the team’s best hitter Gonzalez to make history.

He did it, hitting the most infamous bloop single ever to score Jay Bell and win a World Series.

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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