This Game 7 Won't Be Close

Diamondbacks vs. Phillies, 8:07 ET

For the first time since 2004, the MLB has two championship series that make it to a Game 7. Last night, the Rangers punched their ticket to the World Series, now who will they face? That is to be determined with this game between the Diamondbacks and the Phillies. The first few series in the MLB playoffs went very quickly but these teams are battling back-and-forth and now one game decides who gets the National League pennant.

After starting the series looking like they had no chance to even win a game, they have been able to push it to the brink. I'm glad to see that the Diamondbacks were able to battle back and win a few games. In games 1 and 2, Arizona was pitching beach balls and the Phillies cruised to a 2-0 lead. After shifting to Arizona, the Phillies were unable to close out either of the first two games. Then, once again, the Phillies won the final game after getting more offense from their team and a strong pitching performance. Last night, Aaron Nola was pounced on by the Diamondbacks early. That's what the Diamondbacks need to keep doing in order to win this game. The early lead was able to take the Phillies crowd out of the game and they never looked back. Tonight, their fate rests on the right arm of Brandon Pfaadt. For a young guy, he's looked poised in the playoffs. He only allowed two hits in 5.2 innings and struck out 9 Phillies in the first start he made this series. He has three outings in the playoffs. In two of them, both at home, he has allowed just four hits in 10 innings, and no runs or walks. On the road, he allowed three earned runs on seven hits in 2.2 innings.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 17: Fans hold up a Harper sign during Game 2 of the NLCS between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The concept of home-field advantage isn't exactly a new concept. The Phillies certainly have that in the postseason, and I think it is probably a bigger edge than almost any other team has had in the playoffs. I've talked quite a bit about the home runs that the Phillies have hit, but those aren't always something that you can depend on. The Phillies offense has been stable enough, but those big blasts are what shifts momentum. The house should be rocking once again, and if they can start to make some strong contact against Pfaadt tonight, I think it will be the nail in the coffin. The Phillies send out Ranger Suarez to the hill tonight. He's been very strong in the postseason. In his first start against the Diamondbacks, he went 5.1 innings and allowed just three hits and one walk over the scoreless innings. The Phillies did lose the game, but it wasn't Suarez's fault. He's been in big situations for the Phillies before so I think he should be fine in this game as well.

Last night's game was over basically as soon as it started. The Rangers pounced on the Astros and never looked back. I think the same thing happens tonight with the Phillies. I don't expect Pfaadt to have a good start. Asking for him to be a big game pitcher on the road is a lot to ask. I also think the Philly crowd will get to him. I'm going to take Suarez and the Phillies on the run line in this game.

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