Brandon Pfaadt on Facing Red-Hot Phillies Lineup in Game 3

The rookie right-hander is tasked with slowing down a Phillies lineup that's firing on all cylinders this postseason.

Game 3 of the National League Championship Series could be the game that ultimately defines the Diamondbacks season. Rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt will be tasked with slowing down a Philadelphia Phillies lineup that has slugged 14 home runs in their last four postseason games. Here's what Pfaadt had to say about facing that lineup.

"I think they're a good lineup. They're hot right now. We went through Milwaukee's lineup. We went through the Dodgers' lineup. So I thinking we can hold our own. I think if we show that coming into our ballpark and limiting damage, getting the momentum on our side, I think we can come out on the strong end."

Pfaadt himself can be susceptible to the long ball, with 23 home runs allowed in 103 combined innings between the regular and postseason. On paper this seems like a tough matchup for the D-backs to overcome, but it's one they'll have to make in order to fight their way back into the series.

The rookie right-hander has been leaning on his veteran teammates to prepare himself for this start and make adjustments to what is happening on the field. Set to make the most important start of his young career, he's been soaking up the advice he can get and rolling with it.

Manager Torey Lovullo has hinted at a short leash for Pfaadt, similar to Game 3 of the NLDS, facing 18 plus or minus four hitters in his start. That's been the modus operandi for Lovullo when it comes to handling his rookie starter the past six weeks. If the Phillies start to build momentum, his leash will become much shorter. Pfaadt hasn't been told how long he'll go into the game, but he'll be giving his best effort for as long as he can.