Is Merrill Kelly the Randy Johnson of the 2023 Arizona Diamondbacks?

The Arizona Diamondbacks are still on their dream run. The team won Game 2 against the Texas Rangers, marking their first step toward the World Series after many years without championships. Several players have contributed to the win. But one name claims a special mention, and that?s their starting pitcher, Merrill Kelly. He was the star of the game, which has now brought a comparison between him and another legendary player of the team, Randy Johnson.

2001 and 2023- an entire generation has gone, but the Diamondbacks are standing on the verge of winning a second championship. Their star pitcher came to their rescue in Game 2 after a close defeat in Game 1. This brought an obvious comparison between him and Johnson, who saved the team in Game 2 of the 2001 World Series.

Merrill Kelly Becoming the New-Age Randy Johnson for the D-Backs?

2001 was a remarkable year for the Diamondbacks, as they defeated the legendary New York Yankees team to secure the World Series. The situation was pretty different this year. The team is standing in a tie position while back then, they defeated the Yankees in Game 1. It was a record in itself. Since 1997, it was the first time a non-New York City team won the World Series Game 1.

Let’s go a little deeper into the comparison between these two years. Both players shined in Game 2 of the series. They dominated the night to lead their teams to victories in the respective years. While Johnson struck out 11 in a 3-hit shutout in Game 2 of 2001, Kelly almost did the same job this year. On Saturday?s game, the 35-year-old pitcher struck out nine while giving up only one run in seven innings.

Furthermore, Johnson pitched seven innings in Game 6 and played as a relief pitcher in Game 7. Both games were in his control, and he earned the win for his team. Now, after his Game 2 performance and considering postseason stats, fans are excited to see Kelly do the same this year.

After finishing the regular season with a 3.29 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, the veteran pitcher started the postseason with a blast. With 4 games as a starting pitcher, he earned 2.25 ERA and 0.83 WHIP. Now, per the expectations of the fans, the upcoming games will require all his determination to clinch a second trophy for the team.

However, there were more players who contributed to the Game 2 win of the Snakes.

Which Players Shone Beside Kelly On the Mound?

Saturday night was Arizona?s. While Kelly was dominant, the hitters were on fire. It’s impossible to miss the offensive contributions of Ketel Marte, Gabriel Moreno, and Tommy Pham. Marte had a two-run single, and Moreno had a go-ahead homer. Following them, Pham went 4 for 4 with a pair of doubles to earn the 9-1 victory.

Read More: Corbin Carroll, Merrill Kelly, and Ketel Marte Come Clutch for Diamondbacks as Snakes Triumph Texas Rangers in World Series Game 2

The D-backs supporters and players are celebrating victory, but the war is not over yet. They need to continue their contributions to progress victorious towards their goal.

Watch the Story: Diamondbacks Shatter MLB Records With Epic Home Run Rally After ?Fraud Dodgers? Slip-Up, Leaving Fans In Awe