Facing elimination is nothing new for Archie Bradley, D-backs
Oct 9, 2017, 8:17 AM
(AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
Down two games and facing elimination in the NLDS might have some concerned, but for Archie Bradley and the Arizona Diamondbacks, it’s something they’ve already dealt with.
“We kind of already got to go through this in the Wild Card Game so we have a feeling and understanding for the type of environment and atmosphere and how crazy tomorrow could get, but it’s all about winning tomorrow; have to win (Monday),” Bradley said.
The D-backs have seemingly run into a buzzsaw in the Los Angeles Dodgers since Arizona beat the Colorado Rockies in the National League Wild Card Game to make it to the NLDS.
“Obviously it’s not the situation we want to be in,” Bradley said. “We’d obviously rather be up 2-0 or at least have the series tied, but it is what it is.
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“(The Dodgers have) thrown two really good guys at us and we battled and we didn’t necessarily come out on top like we wanted to, but we played good baseball.”
Even with Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill starting on the mound for games one and two for the Dodgers, the D-backs were able to put up five runs in each game. The bats were working, but the pitching wasn’t.
In Game 1, starting pitcher Taijuan Walker couldn’t find his rhythm, giving up four runs in his only inning of work. A three-run fourth inning made matters worse for the D-backs.
Game 2 was a similar story. Starting pitcher Robbie Ray lasted longer than Walker — 4.1 innings pitched — but the Dodgers again had big innings to overtake the D-backs.
Now the D-backs are leaning on their ace, Zack Greinke to set the tone Monday, something that Bradley and the rest of the ballclub feel confident about.
“Just like the Wild Card Game, that’s the guy you want on the mound. So if you’re going to send someone out there to win a game for us I’m pretty sure every guy in here would choose him.
“It’s win or go home.”
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