D-backs force Game 7 thanks to early outburst, stellar pitching

PHILADELPHIA — For the first time since the 2001 World Series, the Arizona Diamondbacks are headed to a Game 7 after beating the Phillies, 5-1, in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park.

The D-backs accomplished something that had not happened this postseason — they beat the Phillies in their home ballpark. Philadelphia had been 6-0 this year in the postseason at Citizens Bank Park and it had won 11 straight postseason home games against NL opponents.

If the D-backs want to reach their second World Series in franchise history, they will need to beat the Phillies at home once again in Tuesday’s Game 7.

The D-backs got back-to-back homers from Tommy Pham and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. as part of a three-run second inning off Aaron Nola. It was the third time this postseason the D-backs had hit back-to-back homers, tying the 2007 Red Sox for the most in a single postseason.

“I don’t think anybody thought we were going to take them to Game 6,” said Merrill Kelly, who allowed just one run on three hits over five innings to get the win. “I don’t think anybody thought we were even going to make it to Game 1.  I don’t think anybody thought we were going to make it past Milwaukee [in the Wild Card Series], to be honest with you. The fact that we’re here and it’s going to be Game 7 tomorrow, we’re going to enjoy it, take it all in, but we’re definitely coming out competitive and definitely trying to win.”

In all best-of-seven postseason series (prior to Monday’s ALCS Game 7), teams that have won Game 6 to force a Game 7 have come out on top in that winner-take-all contest 33 of 59 times (56%). As for Game 7, teams playing in their home ballparks are only 62-63 all time in winner-take-all postseason games, including 30-27 in best-of-seven series.