D-backs Turn to Brandon Pfaadt in "Win or Go Home" Game 7
As pitching Brent Strom successfully predicted, Brandon Pfaadt has found himself pitching in big games for the Diamondbacks this postseason. It will be his third start where he will either start or finish a series, following Game 1 of the Wild Card Series and Game 3 of the National League Division Series. Here's what he had to say about starting Game 7.
"It would mean a lot. I think being in the position to start Game 7, I think that would be huge. Especially as a rookie."
Later tonight he will be the 13th rookie to start a Game 7, per MLB. Here's a list of recent notable rookies that started a Game 7 since 2002:
- Ian Anderson, Braves, 2020 NLCS
- Dustin May, Dodgers, 2020 NLCS
- Walker Buehler, Dodgers, 2018 NLCS
- Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox, 2007 ALCS
- John Lackey, Angels, 2002 World Series
Pfaadt has delivered so far this postseason, giving his team a chance to win all three of his starts. His last two starts have been excellent, holding the vaunted offenses of the Dodgers and Phillies scoreless for 10 innings. The rookie spoke about his confidence heading into his next start.
"I think my confidence is pretty high. I try to keep it pretty steady. I think that's kind of where people struggle is when their confidence dips too low or too high. I've always been taught to keep it even-keel, and that's kind of the way I try to keep it."
Like in Game 3, he'll face a Philadelphia Phillies lineup that can slug with the best of them. The key for Pfaadt will be to put up zeros early in the game and allow the offense to take an early lead to take the Philadelphia crowd out of the game. If he can replicate his Game 3 success, it could put the D-backs in a good position to win their first National League pennant since 2001.
