Postseason Baseball Returns to the Valley of the Sun
D-Backs players on Opening Day Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Sports is a large part of the culture here in Arizona. Fans are always eager to come out to games to support their favorite teams, and they do so with passion. This is what is especially painful about the recent slump from Arizona’s major sports teams; there is a lot of support with little results. However, the Arizona Diamondbacks are trying to change that this year. For the first time since 2011, the D-Backs will participate in the MLB’s playoffs, beginning by hosting the National League wild card game next Wednesday, October 4th. Their opponent will be decided in the upcoming days.
Fans are excited about a potentially great run in the playoffs, and for good reason. The D-Backs currently hold a 92-67 record, good enough for the third-best record in the entire national league. Since the season began, there has been an air of excitement around the Arizona Diamondbacks. Playing under the guidance of first-year manager Torey Lovullo, the D-Backs proved themselves early on as one of this year’s teams to beat. A star-studded roster, including first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, pitcher Zack Greinke, and many others, has finally played to its full potential this season. The team is truly entertaining to watch and has produced many exciting moments this season. Here are just a few of them.
April 2nd – Opening Day Walk-Off
The D-Backs beat the rival San Francisco Giants 6-5 on a Chris Owings walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning.
April 30th – Daniel Descalso’s Dinger
Daniel Descalso hit a 2-run home run in the 13th inning to beat the Colorado Rockies 2-0. The monster homer landed in the right field pool.
May 29th – Big Day for Robbie Ray
Starting pitcher, Robbie Ray, threw all nine innings of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and did not allow them to score. The D-Backs won 3-0.
August 24th-31st/September 4th-6th – D-Backs Sweep Dodgers Twice
The D-Backs won 13 straight games, including 6 wins against division rival Los Angeles Dodgers. This run proved to be vital in making the playoff for the D-Backs.
September 4th – JD Martinez Hits 4 Home Runs
The team added JD Martinez on July 19th, and he has been one of their biggest stars since then. He has hit 28 home runs since joining the team, including four in one night against the Dodgers. This tied the record for most home runs in a single game.
September 24th – Diamondbacks Reach Postseason
The Diamondbacks beat the Miami Marlins 3-2 to secure a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2011. The players celebrated by jumping in the pool in right field.AP
Let’s hope the D-Backs can keep the magic going as they get ready for the playoffs.
