D-backs Veterans React to NLCS Game 6 Victory

We take you inside the clubhouse to get the perspective of some of the more senior members of the team

The Diamondbacks had a big win last night, beating the Phillies on the road in game six of the National League Championship series 5-1. The victory evened the series at 3-3, forcing a game seven. Here is some of the reaction from inside the clubhouse after the win. 

Tommy Pham

Pham got things started last night by hitting a solo homer off of Phillies starter Aaron Nola. It was the first of back to back homers between him and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.  Pham wasn't interested in trash talk, but instead showed respect for his opponent. 

"Nola has great success against me. His profile works really well against me and my batting profile. He just left me a mistake. That’s really what it was, he missed his spot." 

Speaking about the importance of getting early lead against Phillies, Pham said:

"That definitely helps. They have great fans, great crowd. It’s kind of like their 27th man. Any time you can jump out like that it makes Merrill’s job easier, it puts less pressure on his hitters. Hopefully we can do same thing tomorrow."

Paul Sewald

The veteran closer also spoke about getting an early lead in Citizens Bank Park

"We really took that challenge today jumping on top of them. They got on top of us the first two games here and this place got awfully loud. We needed to quiet these guys down. It’s the first time they’ve sat I think for a playoff game."

Sewald felt the energy swing happened even earlier than the Pham homer however.  Merrill Kelly pitched around Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, walking the two sluggers rather than let them beat him. He got a strikeout looking and a popup to end the inning and get the teaam back in the dugout quickly. 

"I think the bottom of the first was the most important one. We have given up runs in the first inning three times and we’re 0-3. We put up zeroes and we’re 3-0."

Kevin Ginkel

Asked about the excitement of forcing a game seven:

"The job’s not done yet. I know we’re excited and everything but it’s game seven. I haven’t been in this position before and they’re a good team. …..tomorrow is a new day and they’re going to come out ready to go , they got the home field crowd advantage, but we’ll be ready."

On beating expectations and playing in a tough road environment

"This just shows that we can play in any kind of ballpark. We can beat good teams. Tonight we showed it. No one was expecting us to win, and we found a way again."

Christian Walker

On people doubting and not believing in the team

"I think any time you can prove people wrong it’s a good thing. It means you’re doing something right. We get it, but at the same time it’s easy motivation to put that chip on our shoulder and go out and try to prove people wrong."

The team is getting used to playing in Citizens Bank Park. 

"I think the more time you spend in any environment the more familiar it gets. I said it before, our battle is against the team in the other dugout. The rest is just noise."

Walker was a little more willing to let his excitement for game seven to show. 

"It’s exciting. We’re walking around looking at each other smiling, everybody feels it. It’s right there for us to go get."

Walker has been in a slump this series going just 2-for-19. He took two walks today however and had an RBI walk in game four, a 6-5 come from behind victory. He hit a ball hard to right in his final at bat. He's drawn six walks in six games. 

"I’m getting pitched pretty tough, I’m not getting a lot of pitches over the heart of the plate. I come up to the plate and some guys will throw me five or six sliders in a row. It seems like they’re trying to make somebody else do it. If I can get on base and take my walks I’ve got a lot of faith in my teammates, somebody is going to get the job done for sure." 

Diamondbacks Force Game 7 with Convincing 5-1 Victory