Diamondbacks overcome Phillies, secure World Series berth as Braves fall short

The Arizona Diamondbacks achieved a momentous milestone by clinching their first World Series appearance in 22 years. In a stunning showdown, they outmatched the Philadelphia Phillies with a 4-2 victory in Game 7 of the NL Championship Series, earning a place on the grandest stage in baseball.

The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate their win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 7 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Philadelphia Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

 

With a series score of 4-3 in their favor, the Diamondbacks are now set to face the Texas Rangers in the World Series. Game 1 is scheduled for Friday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

The Atlanta Braves had a remarkable regular season, concluding with a record of 104-58 in 2023, which was 20 games ahead of the Diamondbacks and 14 games more than the Texas Rangers.

Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper reacts after flying out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning in Game 7 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Philadelphia Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

 

The Diamondbacks, with an 84-78 regular-season record, secured the final National League wild card entry to the playoffs. The Rangers, with a 90-72 record, fought their way into the postseason by defeating Tampa Bay 2-0 in the wild-card round. Subsequently, they eliminated Baltimore 3-0 and Houston 4-3.

Diamondbacks power past Phillies 5-1 to force NLCS Game 7

 

In their lone previous World Series appearance in 2001, the Diamondbacks engaged in an unforgettable seven-game showdown, defeating the New York Yankees.

The youthful Diamondbacks demonstrated their resilience by staging an impressive comeback from a 0-2 deficit in the NLCS. They seized early leads in Games 6 and 7, securing a triumphant finish in Philadelphia.

Diamondbacks vs Phillies live online: stats, scores and updates | MLB NLCS  Game 7 updates - AS USA

 

Brandon Pfaadt delivered a strong performance, striking out seven in four innings. Five relievers combined to navigate late-inning challenges, contributing to the surprising NL champions’ success.

The Phillies, including Bryce Harper, are left contemplating how a second consecutive trip to the World Series slipped through their grasp. Philadelphia had returned home just one win away from a pennant but faltered in the final moments, leaving them to ponder their offseason plans.