D-backs Prepare for Deafening Noise at Citizens Bank Park
PHOENIX — As the Arizona Diamondbacks gear up for their upcoming playoff series against the Philadelphia Phillies, right-hander Merrill Kelly is well aware of the deafening noise they can expect at Citizens Bank Park. Kelly, who has personal experience attending a game there, described the atmosphere as incredibly loud, particularly during significant moments.
Kelly vividly recalls attending Game 3 of last year’s World Series with his brother, Reid, to celebrate his birthday. The Kelly brothers, having lived near Philadelphia in the past, were fans of the Phillies. They witnessed an unforgettable game in which the Phillies crushed the Houston Astros, hitting five home runs and clinching a 7-0 victory.
Speaking about the experience, Kelly said, “I’ve seen [Phillies fans] probably as loud as they could possibly be. So I have a hard time believing that anything I’m about to experience [there] is louder than that.” He also mentioned having told his brother during the game that he aspired to be on the field for a playoff game in Philadelphia.
Now, Kelly is set to start Game 2 at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, with teammate Zac Gallen taking the mound for Game 1 on Monday.
Being well aware of the electric atmosphere Philadelphia fans create, the D-backs have been preparing for the noise. During their practices at Chase Field, they simulated crowd noise to simulate the experience they will face in Philadelphia. The team recognizes the challenges they will face against a fanbase known for passionately supporting their team and intimidating opponents. Phillies fans have contributed to the team’s outstanding .703 postseason win percentage at Citizens Bank Park, the best of any team in any park with at least 20 games played.
However, the D-backs believe they are well prepared for the raucous environment. The team recently faced loud crowds during their first four postseason games on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Those experiences have equipped them to handle the intensity they will likely encounter in Philadelphia.
Reliever Paul Sewald emphasized the importance of taking an early lead to silence the crowd. He pointed out that the Dodger Stadium atmosphere became significantly more manageable after the D-backs took an early lead, suggesting the same strategy may be effective at Citizens Bank Park.
In other news, the D-backs received good news regarding catcher Gabriel Moreno’s health. Moreno suffered a head injury from a backswing in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series and took a foul tip off his hand in Game 3 of the NL Division Series. Fortunately, he did not sustain a concussion, and X-rays confirmed no serious injury. Manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that Moreno will be the team’s starting catcher for Game 1.
Additionally, left-hander Tommy Henry, who has been sidelined since July 28 with elbow inflammation, may make an appearance in relief during the series. Henry participated in a simulated game on Friday, making his return a possibility.
As the D-backs head into this decisive playoff series, they may adjust their roster to accommodate the expanded pitching needs. The previous short Wild Card Series and the ample rest days during the NLDS allowed them to rely on just three starters. However, the seven-game series ahead will demand more flexibility, so the team may opt for a 13-pitcher, 13-position player roster configuration.
The D-backs are poised for an intense battle in Philadelphia, aiming to overcome the raucous crowd and the confident Phillies team. By relying on their prior experiences and utilizing key strategies, they hope to emerge victorious and advance further in the postseason.