Diamondbacks vs Phillies Game 2 of the NLCS: pitchers, lineups, stats, etc.

The D-backs had a flawless record in this postseason until their 5-3 loss to the Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on Monday. Tuesday will be their first opportunity to show the same level of determination that got them this far in the postseason.

Throughout the postseason, the Phillies have mostly played the role of the longshot candidate rather than being considered favorites. Therefore, Tuesday’s game gives them an excellent chance to prove themselves and come one step closer to winning their second consecutive National League pennant.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher

Both teams have an intense Game 2 pitcher to lead them to victory. Merrill Kelly, who hails from Scottsdale, Arizona, pitched a shutout into the seventh inning in his first postseason start against the Dodgers. After a 10-day break, the well-rested Kelly will return to the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He had a tremendous postseason debut, throwing 6.1 scoreless frames, striking out five batters, and walking two. Kelly will follow Zac Gallen, the Game 1 starter, in the D-backs rotation and aim to keep the red-hot Phillies offense under control.

Kelly faced the Phillies at Chase Field on June 14th, pitching six innings and allowing three runs in a no-decision game.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher

Philadelphia will rely on Aaron Nola, their longest-tenured player, to lead them in the upcoming games. However, this could be Nola’s last few weeks with the team, as he is an impending free agent. He has been performing exceptionally in the postseason, winning all his starts with an impressive 1.42 ERA. After a somewhat inconsistent season, Nola has managed to turn his game around in his last four starts, including two outstanding performances in the playoffs. Although his overall record for the year was 12-9, with an ERA of 4.46, which is higher than his 2022 ERA of 3.25, his last two regular season starts were promising. He only allowed three earned runs in 12 2/3 innings pitched with 16 strikeouts.

Nola struggles against Arizona, with a 2-2 record and 7.67 ERA across five starts. But in his only game this year, he won despite giving up four runs in 6 2/3 innings, with nine strikeouts.

Diamondbacks vs Phillies Game 2: lineups

Arizona Diamondbacks

Philadelphia Phillies