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.
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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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