D-Backs pitcher Merrill Kelly walks back comments on crowd noise at Citizens Bank Park says the clip took his words out of context

Drew Smith
October 18, 2023
Phillies
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The Philadelphia Phillies took a 2-0 series lead against the Diamondbacks last night in the NLCS, destroying Arizona 10-0 in front of a sold out crowd at Citizens Bank Park.

Before last night’s Game 2 NLCS matchup, Merrill 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

Following the game, Kelly was singing a different tune in the visiting clubhouse.

Merrill Kelly says his quote about Citizens Bank Park was taken out of context pic.twitter.com/Sr1wChEOrQ
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) October 18, 2023

Listen I’m not going to crush Kelly here. I do believe his comments were slightly taken out of context. That doesn’t mean they weren’t stupid to say. You never want to poke the bear of Phillies fans. It was more of a “challenge accepted” moment rather than anything insulting. No harm, No foul.

Trea Turner tagged Kelly on a solo home run in the bottom of the first to set the tone for the rest of the game. Kelly pitched 5.2 innings, allowing three hits and four earned runs. He walked three and struck out six while coughing up three homes runs.

Really, he didn’t even pitch that bad. Plus, the D-Backs are cooked. They never stood a chance.

Feels like a sweep.

The D-Backs literally have zero starting pitchers left on their roster. Brandon Pfaadt will take the mound tomorrow night in Arizona opposing Ranger Suarez.

Pfaadt was on 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