Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte came up clutch in Game 3 of the NLCS against the Phillies, delivering a walk-off single off Craig Kimbrel to secure a crucial victory on Thursday night.
Marte was fired up in the aftermath of his game-winning hit, celebrating in the outfield grass with his teammates.
When speaking to reporters after the win, Arizona’s first of the series, Marte confidently addressed his walk-off single.
“That’s the player I am. I’m not surprised,” said Marte, via ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.
The 30-year-old is swinging a hot bat during the postseason, now up to 13 hits after tallying three in Thursday’s win. He’s collected six of the Diamondbacks’ 19 hits through the first three games of the NLCS.
Marte’s heroics didn’t stop with his walk-off single, however.
After the dust settled on Game 3, Marte reportedly gifted the game-winning ball to a young Diamondbacks fan, and proceeded to thank the crowd at Chase Field for supporting the team, according to 12News’ Cameron Cox.
What a moment!! Ketel Marte gives the game winning ball to a kid, then comes to say thank you to fans! pic.twitter.com/cBeMYbOgHG
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) October 20, 2023
Not only did Marte deliver the game-winning hit of Arizona’s first NLCS victory since 2001, he provided the young Diamondbacks fan with a lifelong memory and an epic piece of memorabilia.
