2 Duds (& 1 Stud) From the Phillies' NLCS Game 3 Loss to the Diamondbacks

Game 3 of the NLCS was a huge letdown for Phillies fans, especially after our epic 10-0 win in Game 2. The bats failed to show up, scoring just 1 run on 3 hits and squandering a great start from Ranger Suarez.

Despite the offense going MIA, Philadelphia was in the game until the end. The score was tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the ninth, but it didn't stay that way for long once Rob Thomson brought in Craig Kimbrel.

The 2-1 defeat was a frustrating loss for the Phillies, who gave the Diamondbacks some momentum with their walk-off win. Now Philly must try to bounce back in Game 4 on the road on Friday.

But before we turn to today's game, let's look back at the goats (and non-goat) of last night's loss.

Dud: Craig Kimbrel

This one goes without saying. Kimbrel came into the game into the bottom of the ninth and promptly set it on fire, imploding in epic fashion and blowing the game for Philadelphia.

Phillies fans knew they were in trouble when Kimbrel walked the first batter he faced, and things only unraveled from there. He proceeded to allow a stolen base, an infield single, a fielder's choice, another walk and the game-ending single. Not great!

The only out Kimbrel recorded required a stellar defensive play by Trea Turner, who stabbed a hard-hit grounder and threw threw home to cut down a runner at the plate. Kimbrel was all over the place with his pitches, too, throwing just 13 of his 24 offerings for strikes.

All in all, it was a truly disastrous outing for Kimbrel, who handed the game to Arizona on a silver platter. The combination of walks and hard contact proved that he simply didn't have it, letting his team down at the most pivotal point in the game.

An the worst part is, it was entirely predictable. Kimbrel has been unreliable lately, and Phillies fans would've rather seen just about anyone else in that situation.

The next time that the game's on the line, hopefully Kimbrel stays in the bullpen where he belongs.