Brad Cesmat
“I was booing myself as I walked out to the mound” -Torey Lovullo after the Game Three 2-1 win over Philadelphia.
I took a break from the pressbox and sat in the suite of Desert Financial Credit Union for Game Three on Thursday. Presidnet/CEO Jeff Meshey is as big a fan and loyal supporter of Valley sports as anyone you’ll find(he is one of our partners too).
The thing about Jeff is he’s an original D-Backs fan dating all the way back to the beginning of the franchise. It was no surprise that when I arrived at his suite about an hour before first pitch, he was decked out in a old school Diamondbacks jersey.
We spoke about the pitching matchup and that Brandon Pfaadt was on a strict pitch count from the manager. As Pfaadt mowed down the Phillies and the game progressed, we both had our opinions on whether Pfaadt should stay in the game. For me, watching Pfaadt grow up before our eyes in this postseason has been one of the under told stories(until today). Jeff and I looked at each other and couldn’t believe when Lovullo went to the mound. It worked out, but not without the baseball world losing their collective minds on social media.
Five-and-2/3 IP. 0 runs, 9 k’s, no walks on just 70 pitches for Pfaadt. That’s top of the rotation stuff. Think about the next couple of years and how the postseason innings he’s in now, are only going to accelerate his growth. If this series shifts back to Philadelphia he’d be called upon again to start.
As I was leaving the suite to head to my workstation, I said to Jeff, “Alek Thomas should pinch-hit for Pham”. Baseball is fun in that way.
The ballpark was jumping more than we’ve seen in the past. Truth is, after being in Philadelphia’s stadium, the Diamondbacks have every right to complain/demand upgrades for a new ballpark. If you’re one of those who thinks that the current place is up to standard, well…you’d be incorrect(I’m being kind). The future of the stadium, the location, who pays for it, all of that is going to come VERY quickly whenever this season comes to an end.. Signs of neglect were littered throughout my suite time today. More on that for another day…
Eye Catching…
Ketel Marte-hitting the cover off the baseball, earning every bit of his 2023 salary
Did you have Pavin Smith as the answer of “who will score the winning run in Game Three?” Didn’t think so. Beauty of the postseason is who will be the hero.
Kevin Ginkel bringing the heat to set-up Seward
Game Four Friday Night, I’ll be back in the confines of the press areas, although the suite life for one night was a great way to take in a game. Thanks Jeff…
