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Paul Goldschmidt and J.D. Martinez share insights on each other. | 1:59
Arizona Diamondbacks sluggers Paul Goldschmidt and J.D. Martinez share insights on each other before the wild-card game against the Rockies.
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Greinke looks ahead to his wild-card start | 1:50
Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke talks about the National League wild-card game on Wednesday at Chase Field.
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Lovullo discusses the wild-card game against the Rockies | 1:16
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses the wild-card game against the Colorado Rockies.
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Shot Clock: Zack’s comfort dog? Wild-card preview | 1:57
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the Diamondbacks roster for the wild card game against the Rockies.
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Piecoro, Moore on D-Backs’ preparations ahead of wild-card game | 3:11
azcentral sports Diamondbacks insider Nick Piecoro and columnist Greg Moore discuss how the Diamondbacks are preparing for the NL wild-card game from Chase Field on Monday. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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Lovullo on Martinez: ‘As good a hitter … that I’ve been around’ | 1:16
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses the work ethic that slugger J.D. Martinez brings to the plate for his club on Monday. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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D-Backs’ Pollock on facing Rockies starter Jon Gray | 0:50
Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock discusses facing Rockies starter Jon Gray, whom they will face in the NL wild-card game, during a press conference at Chase Field on Monday. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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Torey Lovullo on Paul Goldschmidt’s stats, focus | 0:53
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses how Paul Goldschmidt thinks when it comes to stats and the upcoming NL wild-card game during a press conference on Monday. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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D-Backs’ Pollock on security concerns for wild-card game | 0:33
Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock addresses security concerns for wild-card game after Las Vegas shooting on Monday. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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D-Backs’ manager Torey Lovullo on Walker, Bradley vs. Royals | 1:30
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about Taijuan Walker’s impressive start and Archie Bradley’s shaky outing.
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Archie Bradley after loss to Royals | 1:36
Diamondbacks reliever Archie Bradley talks about what went wrong in his outing against the Royals on Saturday night.
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Torey Lovullo after Greinke’s loss vs. Royals | 1:08
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses Zack Greinke’s final tune-up before his anticipated start in the wild-card game on Wednesday.
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Zack Greinke on his outing vs. Royals | 1:17
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke talks about his start (four-plus innings, two runs) vs. the Royals on Friday night in Kansas City.
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J.D. Martinez’s on his record-tying home run | 1:02
With a solo shot in the ninth inning on Wednesday, J.D. Martinez tied a National League record with his 16th home run in September.
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David Peralta on his walk-off walk, J.D. Martinez’s hitting | 2:03
Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta talks about his game-winning walk and J.D. Martinez’s recent tear at the plate.
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J.D. Martinez on his hot streak, D-Backs’ win over Giants | 1:01
Slugger J.D. Martinez hit his 28th homer in his 58th game with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday night.
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Robbie Ray after win vs. Giants | 1:51
Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray threw five innings and gave up two runs, both unearned, in a win over the Giants on Tuesday night.
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Zack Godley after loss vs. Giants | 1:24
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Godley gave up six runs (five earned) in 4 1/3 innings against the Giants on Monday night.
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Paul Goldschmidt after D-Backs clinch wild card spot | 0:50
Slugger Paul Goldschmidt in the celebratory clubhouse after the Diamondbacks clinched a wild card spot.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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D-Backs celebrate walk-off win over Miami | 0:31
The Diamondbacks secured home field for the National League wild-card game.
Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks celebrate playoff berth | 0:44
After clinching a National League wild card berth earlier in the day, the D-Backs celebrated securing home field with a walk-off win over the Miami Marlins.
Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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Fernando Rodney on his 300th career save | 1:07
Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney speaks after recording his 300th save in a win over the Marlins on Friday.
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Chris Iannetta on his 8-RBI night in D-Backs’ win | 1:11
Diamondbacks catcher Chris Iannetta discusses his eight-RBI night in Arizona’s win over the Marlins on Friday.
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Archie Bradley answers questions from reporters – and J.D. Martinez | 1:43
Diamondbacks reliever Archie Bradley talks with reporters about his RBI single in the eighth, then answers questions from teammate J.D. Martinez.
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Torey Lovullo after D-Backs avoid sweep in San Diego | 1:32
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s 13-7 come-from-behind win over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night.
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Torey Lovullo on recent offensive struggles after loss to Padres | 1:14
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he has “minimal” concern about his team’s recent offensive struggles.
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A.J. Pollock on his two-homer game vs. Padres | 1:11
Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock talks about the two home runs he hit on Tuesday night in San Diego.
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D-Backs’ Zack Godley after loss to Padres | 1:35
Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Godley talks about his loss to the Padres on Tuesday night in San Diego.
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Patrick Corbin on mistakes vs. Padres | 1:09
Diamondbacks lefty Patrick Corbin talks about Yangervis Solarte’s tough at-bat that preceded Hunter Renfroe’s key three-run homer in a 4-2 loss to the Padres.
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Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ loss to Padres | 1:36
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s 4-2 loss to the San Diego Padres on Monday night.
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Taijuan Walker on shaky outing vs. Giants | 1:12
Right-hander Taijuan Walker gave up four runs in five innings against the Giants, who beat the Diamondbacks 7-2 on Sunday afternoon.
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Torey Lovullo after loss to Giants | 1:08
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s 7-2 loss to the Giants on Sunday afternoon.
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Zack Greinke after 2-0 win over Giants | 1:48
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke gave up two hits in eight scoreless innings against the Giants on Saturday night.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Torey Lovullo on Greinke’s dominant start vs. Giants | 1:38
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about ace Zack Greinke’s eight shutout innings on Saturday evening against the San Francisco Giants.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Robbie Ray after 10-strikeout game vs. Giants | 1:36
Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray talks about his performance in a 3-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on Friday night at AT&T Park.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Archie Bradley on baseball and beards | 3:14
Diamondbacks reliever Archie Bradley discusses the energy associated with his appearances as a reliever and his beard. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports
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Torey Lovullo on Pollock’s two-run double, Ray’s outing | 1:24
Manager Torey Lovullo talks about the Diamondbacks’ 3-2 win over the Giants on Friday night.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Shot Clock: D-Backs’ Archie Bradley talks football | 2:29
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach chats with D-Backs pitcher Archie Bradley about a different sport.
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Zack Godley on his outing against the Rockies | 0:54
Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Godley discusses his play against Colorado.
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Torey Lovullo on big win over Rockies | 1:04
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses his team’s win over Colorado on Thursday.
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Paul Goldschmidt downplays his 1,000th career hit | 1:12
Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt wasn’t too interested in discussing his 1,000th career hit on Wednesday night.
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Lovullo discusses his team’s win over the Rockies | 2:02
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo on his team’s win over Colorado on Wednesday night.
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D-Backs’ A.J. Pollock on his three-hit night | 1:08
Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock talks about his three-hit night against the Colorado Rockies.
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Patrick Corbin on his outing against the Rockies | 1:57
Corbin on his solid performance against the Rockies
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Shot Clock: D-Backs stay ahead of Rockies? | 2:03
Mark Faller and Greg Moore discuss the MLB Wild Card race between the Diamondbacks and the Rockies.
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Torey Lovullo on loss to Rockies | 1:04
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo breaks down his team’s loss to Colorado.
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J.D. Martinez following D-Backs’ loss to Rockies | 1:23
Slugger J.D. Martinez homered and doubled but the Diamondbacks dropped a 4-2 decision to the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night.
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Taijuan Walker on his outing against the Rockies | 0:30
Taijuan Walker breaks down his performance against Colorado.
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Diamondbacks’ rally falls short against Rockies | 1:08
Manager Torey Lovullo, right-hander Zack Greinke and right-hander Jake Barrett react to the 5-4 loss.
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Robbie Ray on his outing vs. Padres | 1:06
Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray’s pitch count got a little high early but he still managed to go six strong innings against the Padres on Sunday.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Manager Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ win, Bradley’s save | 1:49
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about the Diamondbacks’ win over the Padres, including his decision to use Archie Bradley in the ninth inning.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks react to ‘tough’ loss to Padres | 1:06
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, pitcher Zack Godley on their loss to the Padres.
Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
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Coyotes take batting practice at Chase Field | 1:21
Coyotes players took batting practice at Chase Field before the Diamondbacks hosted the Padres Friday.
Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
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Torey Lovullo on the end of the D-Backs’ win streak | 1:40
Manager Torey Lovullo, left-hander Patrick Corbin and third baseman Jake Lamb react to the 10-6 loss.
Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
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Paul Goldschmidt says his elbow is structurally sound | 2:16
Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt talks about the results of Tuesday’s MRI exam on his right elbow.
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Zack Greinke after D-Backs’ win over Dodgers | 2:00
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke gave up one run in seven innings in a 3-1 win over the Dodgers in 10 innings on Tuesday night.
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Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ record-tying 12th consecutive win | 1:11
Manager Torey Lovullo talks about the Diamondbacks’ franchise-record-tying 12th consecutive win, a 3-1 victory over the Dodgers.
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Shot Clock: JD rocks LA; Cards chase Seattle | 2:01
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss J.D. Martinez’s four home runs against the Dodgers and more in our Shot Clock video.
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J.D. Martinez on his four-homer night vs. Dodgers | 1:21
Diamondbacks slugger J.D. Martinez said everything lined up perfectly for him on Monday night, when he tied a record by hitting four homers in a game at Dodger Stadium.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Paul Goldschmidt talks about his sore right elbow | 1:48
Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt, who is returning to Phoenix to undergo an MRI, talks about what he’s been feeling in his right elbow.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Torey Lovullo on J.D. Martinez’s four-homer performance | 1:33
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about J.D. Martinez’s record-tying night at Dodger Stadium.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Robbie Ray after striking out career-high 14 vs. Dodgers | 1:43
Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray talks about J.D. Martinez’s record night and his own performance against the Dodgers on Monday night.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ 10th consecutive win | 1:39
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s 5-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday at Coors Field.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Zack Godley on wild yet effective outing vs. Rockies | 1:06
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Godley issued six walks but allowed just one run against the Rockies on Sunday.
Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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Paul Goldschmidt and J.D. Martinez share insights on each other.
Greinke looks ahead to his wild-card start
Lovullo discusses the wild-card game against the Rockies
Shot Clock: Zack’s comfort dog? Wild-card preview
Piecoro, Moore on D-Backs’ preparations ahead of wild-card game
Lovullo on Martinez: ‘As good a hitter … that I’ve been around’
D-Backs’ Pollock on facing Rockies starter Jon Gray
Torey Lovullo on Paul Goldschmidt’s stats, focus
D-Backs’ Pollock on security concerns for wild-card game
D-Backs’ manager Torey Lovullo on Walker, Bradley vs. Royals
Archie Bradley after loss to Royals
Torey Lovullo after Greinke’s loss vs. Royals
Zack Greinke on his outing vs. Royals
J.D. Martinez’s on his record-tying home run
David Peralta on his walk-off walk, J.D. Martinez’s hitting
J.D. Martinez on his hot streak, D-Backs’ win over Giants
Robbie Ray after win vs. Giants
Zack Godley after loss vs. Giants
Paul Goldschmidt after D-Backs clinch wild card spot
D-Backs celebrate walk-off win over Miami
Diamondbacks celebrate playoff berth
Fernando Rodney on his 300th career save
Chris Iannetta on his 8-RBI night in D-Backs’ win
Archie Bradley answers questions from reporters – and J.D. Martinez
Torey Lovullo after D-Backs avoid sweep in San Diego
Torey Lovullo on recent offensive struggles after loss to Padres
A.J. Pollock on his two-homer game vs. Padres
D-Backs’ Zack Godley after loss to Padres
Patrick Corbin on mistakes vs. Padres
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ loss to Padres
Taijuan Walker on shaky outing vs. Giants
Torey Lovullo after loss to Giants
Zack Greinke after 2-0 win over Giants
Torey Lovullo on Greinke’s dominant start vs. Giants
Robbie Ray after 10-strikeout game vs. Giants
Archie Bradley on baseball and beards
Torey Lovullo on Pollock’s two-run double, Ray’s outing
Shot Clock: D-Backs’ Archie Bradley talks football
Zack Godley on his outing against the Rockies
Torey Lovullo on big win over Rockies
Paul Goldschmidt downplays his 1,000th career hit
Lovullo discusses his team’s win over the Rockies
D-Backs’ A.J. Pollock on his three-hit night
Patrick Corbin on his outing against the Rockies
Shot Clock: D-Backs stay ahead of Rockies?
Torey Lovullo on loss to Rockies
J.D. Martinez following D-Backs’ loss to Rockies
Taijuan Walker on his outing against the Rockies
Diamondbacks’ rally falls short against Rockies
Robbie Ray on his outing vs. Padres
Manager Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ win, Bradley’s save
Diamondbacks react to ‘tough’ loss to Padres
Coyotes take batting practice at Chase Field
Torey Lovullo on the end of the D-Backs’ win streak
Paul Goldschmidt says his elbow is structurally sound
Zack Greinke after D-Backs’ win over Dodgers
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ record-tying 12th consecutive win
Shot Clock: JD rocks LA; Cards chase Seattle
J.D. Martinez on his four-homer night vs. Dodgers
Paul Goldschmidt talks about his sore right elbow
Torey Lovullo on J.D. Martinez’s four-homer performance
Robbie Ray after striking out career-high 14 vs. Dodgers
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ 10th consecutive win
Zack Godley on wild yet effective outing vs. Rockies
Zack Greinke excels at baseball. It’s the only game he plays.
He doesn’t try to be funny. He is allergic to frivolity. His personality is a closed book. He was the only member of the Diamondbacks not to wear a nickname on the back of his jersey during Players Weekend.
Win on Wednesday, and he’ll never have to say another word.
“I feel good going into (the game),” Greinke said. “I feel pretty prepared. All my pitches feel good, so I’ll be doing as good as I can do. We’ll see how it is. But it will be as good as I can do.”
The return of October baseball in Arizona comes with great risks and a great reward. The franchise is unbeaten in five elimination games at Chase Field. Entering the 2017 postseason, five of the previous 10 wild-card games ended in a shutout, including the last three in the National League.
This is a moment tailor-made for transcendent pitchers. This is the game that can validate and remove Greinke’s salary from all future discussions. This is his $206.5 million start.
Win, and the Diamondbacks get more than a prolonged stay in the postseason. They’ll get the Dodgers, a series that would make the NFL an afterthought. Lose, and they’ll rue the one-game playoff, wondering what could’ve been with a team good enough to reach the World Series.
Much of the burden falls on Greinke, who shrugged off diminished velocity in 2017, posting an excellent bounce-back season in Arizona. He carved up hitters with guile and pinpoint command. He relied on his intelligence and preparation to win battles and games. He is as defiant as he is shy, refusing to sign an autograph for Rockies reliever Pat Neshek, who learned what happens when you spend too much time invading Greinke’s personal space.
If he dominates, he’ll become the rarest of Valley superstars, reaching beloved status without showing a hint of personality. If he falters, he will bear our wrath, partly because he has nothing but money in the bank.
“I guess we’ll see (on Wednesday),” Greinke said. “I don’t know. One game I kind of remember was St. Louis in the playoffs, when I was with LA. I think they had the bases loaded and no outs, maybe, in the first inning. I was like, ‘Man, this is a bad situation.’ ”
For the record, Greinke emerged unscathed from that ominous beginning, conjuring up a strikeout and a double play. He was the winning pitcher that night, which happened to be an elimination game for the Dodgers. Quirks aside, there aren’t many pitchers I’d rather have on the mound in this situation.
No other team in the postseason will feel such a dramatic change in the vibe of their home stadium. There will be 46,000 people in Chase Field waving towels, embracing the spectacle. The roof will likely be closed. The sound and the optics will be overwhelming. It will change everything the younger Diamondbacks thought they knew about Arizona fans.
There are many subplots. Paul Goldschmidt coughed up his MVP award by hitting .171 in September. Is he healthy? The Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon won a batting title while hitting nearly 120 points lower on the road. Can Colorado prove they’re elite when playing below 5,200 feet?
The pressure of the moment will be unbearable. It’s absurd that a 162-game season can be distilled to the vagaries of a single contest, like the strike zone of the home plate umpire or the jolt of panic that occurs when the other team scores first. These Diamondbacks have proven that leaving men on base is just as contagious as potent hitting. This is Game 7 in a microwave and an unforgiving stage for the timid. Those that strike first usually laugh last.
Greinke can eliminate all of the clutter, chaos and drama. He has nine postseason starts in his career. He is just the type to ignore the hype, distilling the moment to nothing but a catcher’s glove. His preparation will be ruthless and his approach will be meticulous. Regardless of outcome, his postgame interview will be nothing more than pitches that worked and those that didn’t.
“He’s really just into studying,” Diamondbacks reliever David Hernandez said. “He’s just a student. On his start days, he’s in the video room all day, dissecting everything. He’s as good as he is for a reason.”
The Diamondbacks have shined in this situation before. Curt Schilling was masterful in a Game 5 win over St. Louis in 2001. The team built a legacy on the bravado they displayed in the last two games of their only World Series appearance. Kirk Gibson’s team returned from Milwaukee with an 0-2 deficit and responded with a great effort from Josh Collmenter in Game 3, followed by a 5-run first inning in Game 4.
Which means the Diamondbacks are really good on the brink of elimination. Or they’ve become indomitable by the rare sight of raucous fans cheering from the rafters. Either way, it’s Greinke’s turn to make history – and a lot of new friends in the Valley.
RELATED: Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: What to watch for in the NL wild-card game
MOORE: Torey Lovullo has a lot on his mind ahead of wild-card game
MORE: 2017 Diamondbacks: A complete game’s worth of key moments
Reach Bickley at [email protected] or 602-444-8253. Follow him on twitter.com/dan.bickley. Listen to “Bickley and Marotta” weekdays from 12-2 p.m. on 98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station.
Wednesday’s game
Rockies at Diamondbacks
What: NL wild-card game.
When: 5:08 p.m.
Where: Chase Field (Roof hotline: 602-462-6262).
TV/radio info: TBS/KMVP-FM 98.7.
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