Title: D-backs Look to Seal NL Wild Card Series with Zac Gallen on the Mound
Subtitle: Brewers face a must-win in Game 2 after Game 1 loss to the D-backs
MILWAUKEE — In a surprising turn of events, the National League Wild Card Series has taken an unexpected twist. After a Game 1 victory, the Arizona Diamondbacks are now in the driver’s seat, ready to close out the series against the Milwaukee Brewers with their ace, Zac Gallen, starting Game 2.
The Brewers entered the series with their formidable trio of starting pitchers lined up, while the D-backs patiently waited to unleash their co-aces. And now, with a win in hand and Gallen fully rested, the D-backs are more than ready to put up a fight against Milwaukee.
“We beat their ace. They’re going to try and beat ours. So, we’ll be ready to go,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo confidently stated.
For the Brewers, this game holds immense importance, as they cannot afford to lose another one. Veteran Josh Donaldson, playing in his 50th career postseason game, acknowledges the significance of the moment.
“In this atmosphere, it is different. To keep the emotions somewhat neutral, it’s impossible to. But at the same time, you enjoy the moment and go out there and lay it all out on the line. That’s going to be the mindset. We’re going to lay it all out there,” Donaldson emphasized.
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:08 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on ESPN2. Fans in the US can also watch it live on MLB.TV with authentication from a participating Pay TV provider. International fans can enjoy the game live, with full game archives becoming available approximately 90 minutes after the game ends.
In terms of starting pitchers, the D-backs couldn’t have asked for a better setup. After clinching Game 1, they now have their ace Gallen, who finished fifth in the Cy Young voting last year and has shown stellar form this season. Gallen has previously dominated against the Brewers, striking out 11 and allowing only three hits over seven innings in their first meeting and giving up just one run in their second encounter.
On the other hand, the Brewers had to reshuffle their plans after Brandon Woodruff suffered a shoulder injury. Freddy Peralta stepped up to fill the void and will take the mound for Game 2. Peralta has displayed his capabilities throughout the regular season, leading the Brewers with 210 strikeouts and showcasing a 3.86 ERA. While he hasn’t faced the D-backs this year, he has a strong track record against them, giving up only one run and two hits in two career starts.
Both teams have made interesting lineup decisions for Game 2. For the D-backs, Evan Longoria earns another start after his impactful defensive plays and a clutch single in Game 1. The Brewers, despite creating numerous scoring opportunities in the previous game, struggled to convert them into runs. With Gallen on the mound, their chances may be limited, as he boasts a low opponents’ average and an impressive walk rate.
Regarding the bullpens, the D-backs used several relievers in Game 1, but with Gallen leading the charge in Game 2, they expect to rely less on the bullpen. The Brewers, who dealt with a heavy workload from their relievers in the first game, remain confident in their bullpen’s availability for Game 2, despite potential concerns over Devin Williams’ usage. Williams, who struggled in Game 1, expressed his willingness to pitch, leaving the final decision up to manager Craig Counsell.
In terms of injuries, the D-backs had to replace outfielder Jake McCarthy with Jace Peterson after McCarthy strained his oblique during batting practice before Game 1. The Brewers witnessed Jesse Winker suffering an oblique injury during Game 1, potentially making him unavailable for the rest of the series.
In terms of performance, D-backs’ Carroll had an outstanding Game 1, hitting a two-run homer that shifted the momentum in their favor. Marte and Moreno also contributed homers, while Walker’s three-hit night, including a crucial two-run double, showcased his importance to the D-backs’ offense.
For the Brewers, Taylor has been on fire offensively, hitting .313 with multiple extra-base hits in his last 19 games, including Game 1. Adames also had a strong performance, going 3-for-4 in the first game with a history of success in the postseason.
With both teams highly motivated, Game 2 promises to be an intense battle as the D-backs aim to close out the series and advance to the NL Division Series against the Dodgers. Meanwhile, the Brewers must rally and play with their backs against the wall if they want to extend their postseason journey.
The stage is set, and all eyes will be on the duel between Gallen and Peralta as the series hangs in the balance.