PHOENIX — It wasn’t until after Ketel Marte’s walk-off hit, the first by a Diamondback in the postseason since Luis González did it to win the 2001 World Series, that he really started running. The single was a no-doubter, a line drive that falls 95% of the time. The chase Marte’s teammates gave him as he darted into the outfield in celebration was much more competitive.
“I sprinted so hard,” he said happily after it was over and Arizona had secured a 2–1 win in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series to cut the Phillies’ series lead to 2–1. Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, whose hard-fought walk gave the Diamondbacks’ hottest hitter a chance to be a hero, caught up with him in short center, grabbed him by the waist and hoisted him into the air.
“I don’t know why I’m not fast on the bases,” Perdomo lamented with a laugh.
