No products in the cart.
World News
Diamondbacks Stage a Comeback Against Brewers in Game 1: Key Takeaways
04
Oct
Oct
Game 1 of the wild-card series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers was tense all night. Finally, in the top of the ninth inning, first baseman Christian Walker came through with a two-run double against dominating closer Devin Williams of all pitchers, giving the D-backs breathing space. Walker’s extra-base single ultimately clinched the deal.
Here are some highlights from their 6-3 victory against the Brewers in Game 1 at American Family Field.
What we will recall
Diamondbacks fans will remember Evan Longoria’s soaring grab with the bases loaded in the fifth inning for a long time. Longoria, who turned 38 on Saturday and is in his 16th season in the major leagues, went airborne on a Tyrone Taylor line shot off third base. He grabbed the liner and then threw to second base to finish the inning with a double play. The dramatic grab kept the D-backs in the game, 4-3, rather than enabling the Brewers to take control.
The third baseman put on a display all night, eventually flipping the ball to second and catching Christian Yelich sliding off the base for an out. Longoria’s significant plays were critical in a close game like this one. Longo vintage.
MVP
Despite allowing 12 hits and four walks, seven Arizona pitchers combined to hold the Brew Crew to three runs on Tuesday. The D-backs’ pitching staff is named MVP for their outstanding bullpen performance, with particular mention going to rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt, who pitched well in his first career postseason start.
The D-backs seemed to be inferior on paper, with a rookie facing Brewers ace Corbin Burnes in the opener. Rather, Arizona’s squadron of arms effectively shut down the Brewers. After Pfaadt was pulled in the third inning, the Arizona bullpen threw 6.1 innings of scoreless relief. Right-hander Paul Sewald closed off the game with his first postseason save.
The @DBacks powered their way to a Game 1 victory. 💪 #Postseason pic.twitter.com/iu7Hv9smmh
— MLB (@MLB) October 4, 2023
Score inside the box
Due to heavy traffic on the basepaths, both the Brewers and the D-backs had sufficient opportunities to pull away, but neither club was able to capitalize. Arizona was 0-8 with runners in scoring position, while Milwaukee was 2-for-10. The Diamondbacks left nine players on base, while the Brewers left ten.
Finally, the D-backs ended their playoff skid with a crucial come-from-behind win. Arizona improved to 1-14 in playoff history when down by three or more runs on Tuesday. The team is currently well-positioned to progress to the NLDS.
What took us by surprise?
Despite his struggles with the big ball this season, Burnes only allowed three or more home runs in two of his regular-season outings. So his three-homer onslaught on his second trip around the order was unexpected.
Given how strong its pitching staff is from Burnes through Williams, the thought was that Milwaukee just needed a little run support from Burnes to easily win Game 1. The Brewers accomplished just that in the first inning, scoring one run off Pfaadt before Taylor homered in the second to make it 3-0. However, Burnes enabled the D-backs to rally in the third inning with back-to-back home runs by Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte. Arizona seized a 4-3 lead against Burnes in the fourth inning when catcher Gabriel Moreno went yard.
Gabriel Moreno with a MAMMOTH homer to take the lead. 😤 #Postseason pic.twitter.com/39Nq4LxcUP
— MLB (@MLB) October 4, 2023
What comes next?
Zac Gallen (17-9, 3.47 ERA) will attempt to send the D-backs to the NLDS on Wednesday night at the same time and site. Freddy Peralta (12-10, 3.86 ERA) will do his hardest to save Milwaukee’s season and force a winner-take-all Game 3.
Deesha Thosar is a FOX Sports MLB journalist. She formerly worked as a beat reporter for the New York Daily News, where she covered the Mets. Deesha, the daughter of Indian immigrants, grew raised on Long Island and currently resides in Queens. You may find her on Twitter at
