The Phoenix Naturally, the Arizona Diamondbacks were disappointed, but they were determined to move on from their Series loss to the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night

The home club, which dropped all three games at Chase Field, was beset by wasted opportunities in the decisive Game 5 loss, which ended 5-0, yet even that result did not derail the D-backs’ incredible postseason run.

Veteran Evan Longoria stated, “I think we surprised the world, for the most part, at the end of the day.” “When we walk out of this clubhouse, no one should be hanging their heads.”

There were grins and embraces rather than hanging heads. Maybe that’s because they don’t think the Diamondbacks are a one-and-done team, or maybe it’s because nobody saw them coming this far. Arizona boasts a robust farm system and one of the league’s youngest lineups.

Game 5 starter Zac Gallen stated, “If I know the guys in this room, it’s going to fire them up.” “It’s going to motivate them, so I’m excited for things to come.”
Pitching coach Brent Strom described Gallen’s move as “Bob Gibson.” Gallen hit the mound on Wednesday, finally finding his best stuff after battling to do so during the week. Before Corey Seager shook things up in the seventh and scored the first run of the game, he tossed six shutout innings. The Rangers would win the championship with just that.

Gallen had to be flawless because there was no run support.

“I would have rather given up 1,000 runs tonight and still won the game,” he stated.

Gallen was asked to assess the postseason performance of the Diamondbacks. Except for the final two games, they were the underdogs not only in every series but also in every individual game. They both lost.

“I could stand up here for 10 minutes and talk about that,” remarked Gallen. It’s arrogance. We were all counted out. What makes us unique is our lack of fear. We were down several times, but we always pulled through and finished the task.”

When the Diamondbacks were trailing the Phillies 2-0 and 3-2 in the National League Championship Series, they demonstrated a brave mindset by winning Games 6 and 7 in Philadelphia to advance. But they were unable to reverse the situation in the same manner against the Rangers. With the exception of Tuesday night, when Game 4 was already decided, Seager continued to beat them, and they were never able to mount an offensive surge against what was thought to be a fragile Texas bullpen. Arizona just didn’t measure up in a lot of aspects.

Manager Torey Lovullo expressed his pain. “This hurts like crazy. And for now, I’m unable to get over that. Well, I will.

“I want to hurt so that I can remember how this feels because I want to never experience it again. Everyone has experienced the sensation I’m referring to, where they desire to move on from these times, whether they are personal or professional. However, I will not flee from it.”

Lovullo gave his team advice that included this: don’t run from the pain. It will merely inspire you.

Paul Sewald, a closer, said, “He kept it short so it wouldn’t get too emotional.” “Everyone gives everything they have for this.”

This includes veterans like Tommy Pham, who was acquired from the New York Mets in a midseason trade. He said he was “energised” by his time spent with the Diamondbacks. He is now a free agent.

“I can imagine I’ll have more suitors than last year,” Pham stated. “I would still like to play five more years in this game.”

Given that he isn’t sure if he will retire this summer, it might be a bit too lengthy. He was invited in to assist with leading the fledgling club last winter, and he expressed satisfaction with the task completed.

Longoria remarked, “I really enjoyed this postseason run.” “It reminded me a lot of why I play the game. I can walk out of here happy.”

Perhaps not, in the opinion of the game’s oldest pitching coach. The 75-year-old Strom wishes to come back for more games. More than anybody else connected to the squad, he has experienced the pain of defeat on the grandest stage. He lost in the World Series in both 2019 and 2021 while serving as the pitching coach for the Houston Astros, and he lost once more this season with Arizona.

“This is the third time I’ve been on the losing end of a World Series on my own turf,” he stated. That’s starting to irritate me. I’ve done it with the Rangers, the Braves, and the Nats. I’m beginning to have a slight Buffalo Bills vibe. You want to add the last touch when you’re this close.”

There was an additional prevalent emotion in the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse. Not everyone had the joyful ending they had hoped for in the magical run. While the year was enjoyable, particularly after winning three rounds in the playoffs after finishing with just 84 wins in the regular season, it still hurts to not win the championship.

Christian Walker, the first baseman, stated, “There’s the motivating side.” “We had a taste of it.”

For the Diamondbacks, this postseason is only the beginning, not the end. Talents like Corbin Carroll, a 23-year-old who is expected to win Rookie of the Year, or Gabriel Moreno, another 23-year-old explosive catcher, can help them make that argument. Also, through 2024, the team will control all of their important pitchers. When they’re prepared to go after it once more next year, it gives them a good start.

“I know this team will be hungry, and I know it’s going to take a little time for us to absorb, but I think you’re going to see a very passionate, hungry baseball team walk into Salt River Field next year and be ready to go,” Lovullo stated.