Fansided

5 ways the Diamondbacks can still come back in NLDS

By Gabe Henderson

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 04: Archie Bradley
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 04: Archie Bradley /
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PHOENIX, AZ – SEPTEMBER 24: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after his game winning RBI single against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning of MLB game at Chase Field on September 24, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Marlins 3-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – SEPTEMBER 24: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after his game winning RBI single against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning of MLB game at Chase Field on September 24, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Marlins 3-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

4. Take advantage of home field advantage

The Diamondbacks are headed home to Chase Field to play two, hopefully.

Chase Field isn’t exactly the most intimidating place to play for opponents. That’s no secret. In fact, the 26,350 fans in attendance on average ranked 20 amongst MLB ballparks during the regular season. However, it’s postseason baseball now and every crowd is absolutely rocking. Being able to come home for a “back against the wall, win or go home” Game 3 is an incredible luxury. Especially when you’re as bad as the Diamondbacks on the road. During the regular season, Arizona posted a mere 41-40 road record. Arizona’s road record is second worst amongst current playoff teams, only the Yankees (40-41) have been worse on the road and it’s a one-game difference between the two.

The Diamondbacks have, as most teams, been fantastic at home. Arizona has posted a 52-29 record in front of its fans at Chase Field. When facing elimination, there’s nowhere that teams would rather be than in familiar territory. Just ask the New York Yankees, who fended off elimination on Sunday night in front of their home crowd to force a Game 4.

But the most important thing about being home for Game 3 for Arizona is not actually being at home, it’s not being in Los Angeles. The Dodgers’ home record (57-24) is the best in the majors. In addition, the Dodgers average 46,492 fans a night in attendance, which is first amongst all teams.

Sometimes playing at home makes all the difference. The players are more familiar with the field and that can have a massive impact on the game’s result. For example, Mookie Betts at Fenway Park on Sunday when the Red Sox fended off the Astros in Game 3, 10-3. The Diamondbacks may be able to minimize their mistakes at Chase Field on Monday as well.

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