Pfaadt Dominant for 5.2 Innings in D-backs 2-1 Walk-off Win

The boos rained down onto the field as Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo walked out to the mound in the 6th inning of a scoreless tie in game three of the NLCS. His rookie starter Brandon Pfaadt was pitching the game of his life and totally in command. But Lovullo had a game plan, and that plan called for Pfaadt not to face the order for the third time around. So he stuck to his plan and went to the bullpen. The boos turned to cheers as Pfaadt walked off the field, knowing he had just done everything he could to put his team in a position to win. It would take a while, but the D-backs eventually prevailed over the Phillies 2-1 thanks to a walk-off hit in the bottom of the 9th inning from Ketel Marte.

Pfaadt had electric stuff from the beginning of the game, striking out Kyle Schwarber and inducing a 4-6-3 double play to end the first. By the time he had completed his 5.2 innings he had allowed just one other hit, a double to Brandon Marsh in the 3rd inning. Pfaadt struck out nine batters and didn't walk anyone. Out of 36 swings, 17 were whiffs as he mixed his four seam, sweeper and sinker and even the occasional changeup.

Despite that level of dominance, Lovullo was not to be swayed from his game plan. It's understandable. Pfaadt had previously struggled the third time through in his career, allowing a 1.159 OPS in the regular season, so Lovullo went to his bullpen. A run scored in the 7th off the bullpen, but that was all the Phillies got. Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald locked down the 8th and 9th, setting up the walk-off opportunity in the bottom of the 9th.

Lovullo was not unaware how his maneuvering would be received and second guessed if it didn't work out. Asked if he would have booed if he were in the stands he laughed and said "Absolutely. The manager has lost his absolute mind. For sure. Yeah, I was booing myself as I walked out to the mound. I didn't need to be in the stands."

He went further, explaining the discussions in the dugout. Speaking to his coaches he asked them, "Am I an idiot if I take him out of the game with nine strikeouts at five and two-thirds?........I know it's a very unpopular decision, but we have great information about how we can -- and a plan and a roadmap that when there's limited emotion and limited stimulus, what's the best decision to move this thing forward and control a very, very potent offense. And we felt like we went in that direction today."

Lovullo's game plan with Pfaadt was 18 hitters, plus or minus four. Pfaadt faced exactly 18. Explaining that philosophy further Lovullo said, "I just know about where their lineup is and set up, and I'm probably going to put a lefty into the -- I'm guessing where that lefty is going to be hitting. Marsh somewhere in that area. That's where I'm starting to really lock in on when I'm going to use a lefty."

Lovullo also made clear that the decisions are all his. He sits with his coaching staff and the analytics team and takes in everyone's input, but ultimately the buck stops with him. "It's my decision, but I trust my staff. My staff is hard working and very knowledgeable. When decisions are made, I have the veto power to do anything I choose to do, but I am seeking as much input as possible."

Pfaadt acknowledged hearing the boos that Lovullo got, but was pretty philosophical about it all "Yeah, but at the end of the day who knows -- woulda, coulda, shoulda. Bullpen did great. They've been doing great the whole postseason, so you can't think that way in taking a starter out. Obviously I'm a competitor. I want to keep going. Everybody does, but at the end of the day you just have to trust his decision and move forward, go to the bullpen, let them do their jobs."

Pfaadt has had his doubters. Sometimes on the pages of this very website. He has always been gracious and a gentleman through the tough times and answered every question. As his season gradually turned around his outward demeanor never changed, either on the mound or in the clubhouse. Asked if there was some measure of satisfaction to be able to silence his doubters, he was his usual gracious self.

This feels great. It feels good to contribute to the team, especially in the postseason. We went through some ruffles early on in the season, but that's kind of -- we worked on things to be in this spot and perform like we did today.

Game 4 of the series is Friday night, first pitch is 5:07 Arizona time. Joe Mantiply will start in a bullpen game for the D-backs. Cristopher Sánchez will start for Philadelphia. Expect a short leash for both of them.

Ketel Marte Records D-backs' 3rd Postseason Walk-Off Hit