The highly-anticipated National League Division Series (NLDS) is set to kick off with the Los Angeles Dodgers facing off against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This matchup carries the weight of history and rivalry, with the Dodgers aiming to extend their dominance.
A Decade of Rivalry
The backdrop for this clash is rich with history. Ten years after the infamous Dodgers’ celebration in the Diamondbacks’ Chase Field pool, and six years after the Diamondbacks employed horse-mounted police to prevent a repeat in the 2017 playoffs, these division rivals find themselves in another October showdown. The NLDS starts this Saturday at Dodger Stadium, promising intense baseball action.
Diamondbacks Earn Their Spot
The Diamondbacks earned their spot in the NLDS by sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers in the wild-card round. As the final out was recorded, a spirited "Let’s go, Dodgers" chant erupted from several hundred Dodgers season-ticket holders at Chavez Ravine, a testament to their recent dominance in this one-sided divisional rivalry.
Recent History
In each of the last five seasons, the Dodgers have emerged victorious in their season series against the Diamondbacks. Despite the Diamondbacks’ wild card qualification this year, their results against the Dodgers remained consistent, with Los Angeles winning eight of the 13 matchups and sweeping both of the teams’ most recent series in August.
Not an Easy Out
While the Dodgers enjoy a week of rest and home-field advantage as the NL’s No. 2 seed, the Diamondbacks present a formidable challenge. They may have a starting pitching edge in this best-of-five series. In the opener on Saturday, Arizona will counter with Merrill Kelly against the Dodgers’ ace, Clayton Kershaw. With an extra day off before Game 2 on Monday, the Diamondbacks have the luxury of starting their ace, Zac Gallen, against Dodgers rookie Bobby Miller, and they can also turn back to Kelly and Gallen on normal rest in Games 4 and 5 if necessary.
Familiar Foes
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, acknowledges the familiarity between the two teams, stating, "We’re really familiar with them. They’re a really good team. We have a lot of history with them. We know them well, and we’re looking forward to it."
Dodgers’ Advantage
Despite the Diamondbacks’ pitching strengths, the Dodgers could make it a swift series. They found success against both Gallen and Kelly this season, scoring 20 runs against the duo in 30⅓ combined innings (a 5.93 ERA). Moreover, after early struggles against Arizona’s dynamic running game, the Dodgers rebounded, overtaking the Diamondbacks for first place in late July and winning five straight in August to clinch the division crown.
As the NLDS unfolds, the question remains: Can the Dodgers maintain their roll and continue their dominance over the Diamondbacks? Baseball fans are in for an exciting showdown between two fierce rivals, and all eyes will be on the outcome of this highly-anticipated series.
Relevant Topics Worth Exploring
Who will the Dodgers play in the NLDS?
the Arizona Diamondbacks
The 2023 NLDS will see the Los Angeles Dodgers facing off against a familiar rival. After a decisive sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card round, the Arizona Diamondbacks have secured their spot in this highly anticipated matchup. This sets the stage for an intense showdown between these divisional foes, the Dodgers, and the Diamondbacks, promising high-stakes baseball action in the National League Division Series.
Who will the Dodgers face in the playoffs?
The Diamondbacks
In the upcoming best-of-five NLDS, the Los Angeles Dodgers will square off against the Diamondbacks. The NLDS action kicks off with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday at Dodger Stadium. In the previous matchup, right-hander Zac Gallen delivered six impressive innings, and the bullpen held their own, though things got a bit tense in the eighth inning.
Who will the Braves play in the NLDS?
Phillies
In the upcoming National League Division Series (NLDS), the Atlanta Braves will go head-to-head with the Philadelphia Phillies. This exciting matchup promises to deliver thrilling baseball action in the postseason.
Is the MLB wildcard best of 3?
Is the MLB wildcard best of 3? Yes, as the 2023 MLB playoffs commenced, eight teams were in action, marking the beginning of the best-of-three wild-card round.
What teams are in the wild card 2023?
What teams are in the wild card for 2023? The wild card teams for the 2023 season include:
- Birmingham Stallions
- Houston Gamblers
- Memphis Showboats
- Michigan Panthers
- New Jersey Generals
- New Orleans Breakers
- Philadelphia Stars
- Pittsburgh Maulers
Who will Rays play in wild card?
Who will the Rays play in the wild card? The Tampa Bay Rays are set to continue their best-of-three American League Wild Card Series against the Texas Rangers with Game 2 scheduled at Tropicana Field on Wednesday afternoon. Jordan Montgomery’s stellar performance led Texas to a commanding Game 1 victory on Tuesday, and now, the Rangers have two opportunities to secure their spot in the ALDS.
