D-Backs starting pitcher for Game 2, Merrill Kelly, doesn’t believe that Citizens Bank Park will be louder than games at the World Baseball Classic

The Philadelphia Phillies took a 1-0 series lead against the Arizona Diamondbacks last night in the NLCS, and will send Aaron Nola to the mound tonight in Game 2 against the D-Backs’ Merrill Kelly.

In his lone appearance against the Phillies this season, Kelly pitched six innings, allowing three hits, three earned runs, and four walks while striking out seven. JT Realmuto hit a home run that game and the Phillies took 3 of 4 from the D-Backs in Arizona. 

So, ahead of his NLCS matchup against Aaron Nola tonight, Kelly spoke with the media about pitching at Citizens Bank Park and decided to tell everyone that he doesn’t think it will be too loud since he pitched in the World Baseball Classic earlier this year.

Mistake: Merrill Kelly Pokes the Bear, Says Citizens Bank Park Won’t Be Too Loud

Well… challenge accepted, Merrill. pic.twitter.com/qGPUXMWQDk

— Jack Fritz (@JackFritzWIP) October 17, 2023

I mean seriously, does Merrill Kelly pay attention to anything that’s happening around him?

Regardless of the World Baseball Classic games and how big and loud the crowds were down in Miami, openly saying that Citizens Bank Park for Game 2 of the NLCS wouldn’t be as loud is just a stupid move on his part. Opposing teams need to learn sooner than later that poking the bear, whether it’s the Phillies’ lineup or the fans in attendance, is always a bad idea.

Wait a damn second…against Venezuela?

What makes things even more bizarre, is that Kelly didn’t even pitch against Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Kelly started vs Columbia and was pulled after allowing 4 hits and 2 earned runs in just 3 innings of work. He also pitched in the title game against Japan and gave up 2 runs in just 1.1 innings of work while being credited for the loss. 

In the World Baseball Classic, Kelly pitched a total of 4.1 innings. He was 0-1 with an 8.31 ERA. He allowed seven hits, four walks, and four runs in total. 

So what exactly is Merrill Kelly talking about? This is the guy the D-Backs are going to send to the mound in Game 2 tonight against Aaron Nola at Citizens Bank Park? 

I was there last night for Game 1 and here’s what was happening in the 400 Level. 

NLCS Game 1 – 400 Level – Citizens Bank Park

400 level is a madhouse. 10 year olds telling Zac Gallen to suck their dicks. Eating peanuts with shells. Boycotting elementary school tomorrow. I’m home.

— Drew Smith (@drewmsmith) October 17, 2023

Sheesh. Feels like a sweep.

Challenge accepted, Merrill. Doesn’t look like this will end well for you.

After Kelly tonight, the D-Backs literally have zero starting pitchers left on their roster.

Arizona sent rookie Brandon Pfaadt to the mound in Game 1 of the NL Wild Series against the Brewers and he coughed up three runs on seven hits in just 2.2 innings of work. The D-Backs rookie carried a 5.72 ERA in the regular season, with opponents hitting .282 with a .862 OPS. 

Full Breakdown of the NLCS Pitching Matchups Here >>

NLCS Game 1 🔔

For the fighting city of Philadelphia. #RedOctober | #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/Cwybq3l6go

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) October 17, 2023

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