Game 1 was fun, wasn't it? An explosion of first inning runs, sad Clayton Kershaw camera shots and even a concession speech from Dodgers manager in the 3rd inning during his in game interview.
Game 1 is also ancient history.
While some Dbacks fans celebrated Game 1 with the proverbial dip into the Chase Field pool, this Dodgers series is far from over.
Now, Game 2? Game 2 is everything.
Facing a flame-throwing rookie in Bobby Miller, the Dbacks will have their hands full replicating the offensive outburst that nearly mercy run'd the Dodgers in Game 1. Miller's average fastball velocity is 99 MPH. The Dbacks have consistently struggled against gas this year, most recently when Brewers SP Freddy Peralta blew fastball after fastball by them for five dominant innings before the Dbacks bats woke up. Compared to Miller's heater, Peralta throw BP fastballs.
And while Miller has shown dominant stuff, Corbin Carroll isn't going to be out-anything'd by a fellow rookie. Carroll is currently amongst the postseason leaders in average, HR's, RBI's and a bunch of other acronym'ed stats you need an advanced math degree to understand. The TL:DR is Corbin Carroll has arguably been the best player in MLB's postseason through three games. As Carroll has gone this season, so have the Dbacks and that's stayed true in the postseason.
Normally, the Dbacks having Zac Gallen on the mound would be a big advantage against any team but this year the Dbacks Cy Young contender has struggled mightily against the Dodgers. In two starts this season, Gallen has a 9.90 ERA against the Dbacks division rivals. That's an ERA that even playoff Kershaw would be embarrassed by. If the Dbacks are to win tonight, Gallen will have to be better than he was against the Brewers. While his final stat line in the Wild Card round was impressive, he was not sharp early on and it was more of the Brewers failing to take advantage than Gallen figuring anything out. A desperate Dodgers team will not be as forgiving.
Then you have the looming possibility of a Dodgers Game 2 win, a Game 3 at Chase Field with the Dbacks throwing a rookie on the mound in Brandon Pfaadt and its not hard to imagine the script completely flipping with a Game 2 Dbacks loss.
Game 2 is everything.
Win and take real control of the series.
Lose and watch the Dodgers gain strength.
My prediction: Gallen isn't afraid, doesn't stay home and comes out and builds on what Merrill Kelly started. The Diamondbacks win and Bob Costas weeps.