Zac Gallen Ready to Pull His Weight in the World Series

Zac Gallen did not have the best series against the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series. The Diamondbacks ace surrendered nine runs on five home runs over 11 innings across two starts. Every location mistake he had was hit a long way. Despite that, the D-backs were able to overcome that and punched their ticket into the World Series.

"Yeah, obviously I think for me I said it after the two starts, just lack of execution, really. So for me, just trying to execute a little bit better and give us a chance to win, really. No secret, I feel like I didn't help the guys that much. So I'm looking to try and pull my weight this time around. But for me, it's really just about executing pitches. We've got only a handful of games left, so give it my all and see what happens."

For Gallen, the slate is wiped clean once again and he'll be facing a new lineup with different hitters. The Rangers, like the Phillies, boast a top payroll and a lineup that's built to slug the baseball. Texas has the third highest home run total of all 30 major league teams with 233 and the 4th best park-adjusted OPS+ at 113. Seven regulars in their starting lineup have an OPS+ over 100 and they've since added rookie sensation Evan Carter to their lineup.

"This isn't going to be any easier of a task. This a really good lineup. This is a team we've seen, what, four times this year, I don't know how many times we've played them. But it's a really good lineup."

Pitching coach Brent Strom believes getting back to the basics will get Gallen back to his top form. Before the NLCS, Gallen had allowed just four runs in 11 2/3 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers. Better sequencing of his pitches and avoiding middle of the plate mistakes with his fastball will be the key for him to shut down the Rangers lineup.

Over the course of the season, Gallen's had the chance to work with Gabriel Moreno behind the plate. He credits his catcher for playing with the poise of a 33-year-old veteran behind the plate. Moreno's growth to becoming one of baseball's premier young backstops has been a key element in the D-backs postseason run.

"I've kind of had a first-hand seat to see Gabby grow. I think what I saw in the beginning of the year, there was a lot of talent, for sure. And then for Gabby to kind of get over here and get a lot more comfortable, understanding how to handle a pitching staff, calling games and certain things like that has been, I can't really describe it. It's been fascinating to watch."

In order to capture their first World Series championship in 22 years, the D-backs will need their ace to rise to the occasion. Barring a sweep by either team, he'll have two chances to showcase himself on baseball's biggest stage.

Brent Strom Seeks to Simplify Things for Zac Gallen