Best two words in sports. Game 7.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have forced a do-or-die game in the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies by stealing one at home in Game 6.
The D-backs outmatched their hosts, 5-1, thanks to a stellar game by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Tommy Pham, who both hit a homer early in the game to set the tone the whole night.
Pham's insertion into the lineup in a game with everything at stake is something many did not expect, given how badly he played in the first four games. He was even benched in Game 5.
However, it looks like Torey Lovullo had some crystal balls or time machine because while everyone felt confused about the Pham selection, he showed in the pre-game conference how hell-bent he was on using the 35-year-old outfielder.
What was the reason? Lovullo said he had a hunch.
"I've got a lot of information that says Tommy should have a good day today," he said Monday.
Pham, who was without a single hit over 13 at-bats, returned the trust. He outmatched Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola by sending the ball out during the second inning.
'We didn't cross country to get our a** kicked'
The game will remain in Philadelphia due to their higher seeding, but a fired-up Lovullo is unfazed.
He believes his team has what it takes to steal the series come Game 7. He already saw it even before Game 6 kicked off.
"Getting there is really important, so we have that all-in mentality," he said. "We didn't come cross-country to get our asses kicked. We came here to play our best baseball game, and our guys will be ready to go."
Game 7 will take place in less than 24 hours at the Citizens Bank Park.
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