NEW DELHI: Ketel Marte's clutch one-out single in the bottom of the ninth inning propelled the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. The walk-off hit cut the Phillies' series lead to 2-1. Games 4 and 5 are scheduled for the following days in Phoenix.
The Diamondbacks, who were held scoreless for six innings, managed to rally for the tying run in the bottom of the seventh. Pinch runner Alek Thomas scored from first on Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s double. However, they squandered a promising opportunity to take the lead with runners on the corners and no outs.
The Phillies took the lead in the top of the seventh when Bryce Harper scored on a two-out wild pitch, giving them a 1-0 lead.
Both teams struggled to generate offense against each other's starting pitchers for five innings. Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt kept the Phillies scoreless for 5 2/3 innings, striking out nine and limiting the Phillies to two hits. Pfaadt had previously pitched 4 1/3 innings of scoreless, two-hit ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series.
Philadelphia's starter, Ranger Suarez, was equally impressive, striking out seven and keeping the Diamondbacks scoreless over 5 1/3 innings. However, he was replaced after Ketel Marte led off the sixth with a double.
Marte and Corbin Carroll then executed a sharply grounded out to second base, leading to Suarez's removal. Jeff Hoffman, who replaced Suarez, managed to get the next two outs, leaving Marte stranded at third base.
In the ninth inning, Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald recorded a scoreless inning to claim the win. The Diamondbacks' pitching staff allowed just three hits to the Phillies.
The winning run came in the form of Marte's one-out single against Phillies closer Craig Kimbrel, which scored Pavin Smith. The walk-off win breathed new life into Arizona's playoff hopes.
(With Reuters inputs)The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
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