Controversial Pitching Change Propels Diamondbacks to Crucial NLCS Victory

The Philadelphia Phillies lost Game 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to their lack of offense, but manager Rob Thomson's decision to use rookie pitcher Orion Kerkering in the seventh inning with a one-run lead was questioned. Thomson explained that he chose Kerkering because he anticipated Arizona using left-handed pinch-hitters and liked Kerkering's slider against lefties. However, Kerkering allowed two singles and an RBI double to the three hitters he faced. In the ninth inning, closer Craig Kimbrel struggled with poor command, walking two and giving up the walk-off single. After a high-stress outing, the Phillies may look to preserve Kimbrel for Game 4.