D-backs Look to Thrive off Home Crowd Energy in Game 3 against Dodgers
PHOENIX — Excitement is building for the Arizona Diamondbacks as they return to Chase Field for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. After grabbing a commanding 2-0 lead in the series on the road, the D-backs are eager to close out the Dodgers and advance to the NL Championship Series in front of their home crowd.
Chase Field hasn’t seen postseason baseball since 2017 when the D-backs took on the Colorado Rockies in an epic National League Wild Card Game. Although they were then swept by the Dodgers in the NLDS, the team is hoping to turn the tables this year and eliminate their division rivals.
The D-backs are well aware of the advantage a 2-0 series lead brings. Historically, teams in this position that won the first two games on the road have gone on to win the series 29 out of 32 times. The only exceptions were the 2001 Yankees, the 2012 Giants, and the 2015 Blue Jays, who managed to come back from a 0-2 deficit.
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo expressed his excitement about the upcoming home game, highlighting the difference a supportive crowd makes. “This crowd is going to be behind us, and we want to play our baseball for them. We want to impress them,” Lovullo said.
Lovullo vividly remembers the electric atmosphere at Chase Field during the last postseason run in 2017, particularly when Paul Goldschmidt launched a three-run homer in the Wild Card Game against the Rockies. The deafening roar from the crowd left a lasting impression on the manager and he hopes to recreate that experience in Game 3.
Right fielder Corbin Carroll, who will be playing in his first postseason with the D-backs, is equally excited to witness the energy of the home crowd. He has heard stories about the raucous atmosphere at Chase Field and felt a similar vibe when he attended a World Baseball Classic game earlier this year. Carroll is eager to see Arizona rally behind the team and show their support for baseball in the state.
The D-backs have seen a surge in attendance this season, ranking 20th in the Major Leagues. However, Wednesday’s sellout crowd for Game 3 is a clear indication of the excitement and eagerness of the Phoenix community to witness postseason baseball once again.
D-backs team president/CEO Derrick Hall expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout the season, stating, “There is a tremendous amount of excitement throughout the state for this team, as evidenced by a quick sellout. I am grateful to the fans, as they have shown up all season to support this energetic group of players.”
The upcoming game will hold special meaning as the ceremonial first pitches will be thrown out by D-backs general manager Mike Hazen’s four sons. The gesture is in honor of their mother, Nicole, who passed away in August 2022 from glioblastoma.
The D-backs are hoping to harness the energy of the home crowd and use it to their advantage as they seek to make their mark on this year’s postseason. By closing out the Dodgers in Game 3, they can secure their first NL Championship Series berth since 2007, and they are determined to leave their home fans with another unforgettable playoff moment at Chase Field.