Tuesday NLCS game thread: Game 7

After the Rangers clobbered the Astros last night in Game 7 of the ALCS, the Phillies and Diamondbacks will square off tonight in Philly in a Game 7 of their own. For Philadelphia, it’s their first Game 7 in franchise history, despite being part of MLB since 1883 and making eight World Series appearances. Arizona, meanwhile, is looking to make their second World Series in franchise history, after capturing the title in 2001. Incidentally, that World Series saw the D’Backs play their only Game 7 in their history, with Luis Gonzalez hitting a walk-off single off of Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera.

Working the Phillies favor tonight is their impeccable record at home in the postseason. Before last night’s loss in Game 6, the Fightin Phils were 6-0 at Citizen Bank Park in these playoffs. This comes off the heels of their 6-2 record in Philadelphia during their World Series run last season.

The pitching matchup sees the same starters from Game 3, which the Diamondbacks won thanks to a late Craig Kimbrel meltdown. Ranger Suárez has been lights out all postseason for the Phillies. The 28-year-old lefty out of Venezuela has only allowed one run in 14 innings this postseason, limiting opponents to a .143 BAA. Suárez is opposed by 25-year-old rookie Brandon Pfaadt. The former 5th-round pick out of Bellarmine University is on a 10-inning scoreless streak and held the Phillies to only two hits back in Game 3.

Whichever team wins will be heading to Texas on Friday for the start of the Fall Classic. If Rob Thomson can guide the Phillies back to the World Series, he’ll succeed in making two World Series appearances in his first two years as manager. Meanwhile, Arizona skipper Torey Lovullo is looking to make his return to the World Series after winning a title in 2013 as a member of the Red Sox coaching staff.

NLCS Game 7: Diamondbacks at Phillies, 8:07pm ET

RHP Brandon Pfaadt (0-0, 2.13 ERA, 15 Ks) vs. LHP Ranger Suárez (1-0, 0.64 ERA, 13 Ks)

Phillies Lineup

1. Kyle Schwarber (L) DH
2. Trea Turner (R) SS
3. Bryce Harper (L) 1B
4. Alec Bohm (R) 3B
5. Bryson Stott (L) 2B
6. J.T. Realmuto (R) C
7. Nick Castellanos (R) RF
8. Brandon Marsh (L) LF
9. Johan Rojas (R) CF

Diamondbacks Lineup

1. Ketel Marte (S) 2B
2. Corbin Carroll (L) CF
3. Gabriel Moreno (R) C
4. Christian Walker (R) 1B
5. Tommy Pham (R) RF
6. Lourdes Gurriel Jr, (R) LF
7. Evan Longoria (R) DH
8. Emmanuel Rivera (R) 3B
9. Geraldo Perdomo (S) SS