The Diamondbacks enter Game 4 of the World Series down two games to one after losing 3-1 to the Texas Rangers last night. Despite being responsible for Texas' three runs, rookie Brandon Pfaadt had a more than respectable outing; the offense just couldn't supply the necessary runs to take the game back.
Tonight, Arizona starts with an opener in Joe Mantiply, who occupied such a role once in the NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies, going one inning with one hit and one strikeout. Mantiply has been one of the most called upon bullpen arms this postseason, and despite a shaky appearance in Game 2 against the Phillies, he's been one of the most consistent. In his last one inning trip to the mound in Game 1 of this World Series, he had zero hits and one K.
Arizona Diamondbacks lineup for World Series Game 4 (October 31, 2023)
There are two notable changes to the Dbacks lineup tonight. Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll switch places again, with Carroll moving down to second from leadoff yesterday. Emmanuel Rivera also takes over in the eight spot and at third base from a struggling Evan Longoria. Rivera came in last night in Longoria's spot after Pavin Smith, who was supposed to pinch hit but was substituted out after Texas lefty Aroldis Chapman was brought into the bullpen to replace Josh Sborz.
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Ketel Marte (S) | 2B |
Corbin Carroll (L) | RF |
Gabriel Moreno (R) | C |
Christian Walker (R) | 1B |
Tommy Pham (R) | DH |
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (R) | LF |
Alek Thomas (L) | CF |
Emmanuel Rivera (R) | 3B |
Geraldo Perdomo (S) | SS |
Joe Mantiply | LHP |
Thanks to Pfaadt's 5 1/3 innings pitched last night, Arizona only needed to call in four bullpen arms for spot relief, which exempts Mantiply from the pressure of having to go longer than the one inning he's accustomed to. Manager Torey Lovullo could keep him in a little longer, but it seems unlikely given Mantiply's track record so far.
The Diamondbacks need to win tonight to keep the Rangers from a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. That means the bats need to wake up from the nap they took yesterday, and Mantiply and the bullpen really need to show out against an ever-aggressive Texas offense.