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The Diamondbacks' decision to leave Alek Thomas out of the lineup for the NLCS decider against the Phillies has left fans scratching their heads. Thomas, who launched a critical game-tying home run in the Diamondbacks' Game 4 win, has been one of the bright spots for Arizona this series.
Yet despite his contributions, the team opted to start third baseman Emmanuel Rivera in his place. The decision has ignited intense discussions among fans, who have turned to Twitter to voice their opinions.
Rivera's performance in this series has not been encouraging. He has made fielding errors in his starts and has only batted in one run in four NLCS games. As a result, his selection over Alek Thomas has many wondering about the Diamondbacks' plan coming into this key game.
Thomas' average defensive WAR of 1.2 compared to Rivera's 0.7 further highlights Thomas' superior prowess.
Can the Diamondbacks pull off an upset against the favorite Phillies in NLCS Game 7?
The weight of tonight's game is immense. The starting pitchers are Ranger Suarez for the Phillies and Brandon Pfaadt for the Diamondbacks. The winner of Tuesday's game advances to the World Series to take on the Texas Rangers.
Both teams have demonstrated their worthiness, so the game is likely to hinge on minor details and the experience factor cannot be overlooked.
Having made it to the World Series last year, the Phillies bring a wealth of playoff experience that could be a crucial advantage in high-stakes situations. Players like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper can be invaluable in keeping the team focused and making smart plays.
Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies' home stadium, could also provide an advantage for the team. Historically, it has served as a fortress during the playoffs for the team.
The familiar surroundings, coupled with a passionate fan base that knows how to make themselves heard, can create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. The Diamondbacks face an incredible challenge but they do their best to stage an upset.
