D-backs vs. Dodgers NLDS Game 2 starting lineups and pitching matchup

LOS ANGELES -- The D-backs delivered an early haymaker. It wasn't a knockout.

Arizona's stunning nine-run victory in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday night sets up a wildly unpredictable Game 2 on Monday at Dodger Stadium. Think you know where this series is headed? Think again.

“We’ve got to do it all over again,” said D-backs first baseman Christian Walker. “This is just the beginning.”

For all of their Game 1 tribulations, the Dodgers can get right back into the series by winning Game 2. Meanwhile, the D-backs send ace Zac Gallen to the mound with a chance to take a commanding series lead.

Opposite Gallen, the Dodgers turn to rookie Bobby Miller for Game 2. By definition, it’s not technically “must-win” for Los Angeles. But it sure is close. In the history of best-of-five postseason series, teams taking a 2-0 lead have gone on to win 78 of 88 times (89%).

“You’ve just got to throw this one away as fast as you can,” said Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman. “11-2, 2-1, they’re all losses in the playoffs. It doesn’t matter how you lose, it’s still a loss. We’ve got to come back on Monday.”

Here’s what you need to know about Game 2:

When is the game and how can I watch it?

Game 2 is Monday at 9:07 p.m. ET/6:07 p.m. PT & MST at Dodger Stadium on TBS.

All series are available in the U.S. on MLB.TV with authentication to a participating Pay TV provider. Games are available live internationally (except in Canada). Full game archives are available approximately 90 minutes after the game ends.

Who are the starting pitchers?

D-backs: RHP Zac Gallen (17-9, 3.47 ERA)

Gallen is the D-backs' ace, and after finishing fifth in the Cy Young voting last year, he figures to finish in the top 5 again this year. The right-hander faced the Brewers in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series and struggled in the first, allowing a pair of runs before shutting the Brewers out for the next five innings.

Dodgers: RHP Bobby Miller (11-4, 3.76 ERA)

Miller has been the Dodgers’ top pitching prospect for a few years now, and his rookie campaign did not disappoint. The power right-hander has passed a lot of tests this season, but his first postseason start of his career will come in as close to a must-win situation as it can be for the Dodgers. Miller says he feels ready for the postseason lights -- and the stage will be set on Monday.

What are the starting lineups?

D-backs: With a right-hander going for the Dodgers, the D-backs put Ketel Marte back in the second spot with Corbin Carroll leading off. The pair flipped in Game 1 with lefty Clayton Kershaw on the mound.

Dodgers: With another right-hander on the mound in Gallen, the Dodgers are sending the Game 1 lineup back out for Game 2, hoping for better results.

How will the bullpens line up after the starter?

D-backs: The D-backs did not use any of their plus relievers since they had such a big lead in Game 1, so they have a fully gassed up bullpen. Lovullo has not been as aggressive in going to his bullpen with either Merrill Kelly or Gallen on the mound.

Dodgers: With the Dodgers hoping to avoid an 0-2 hole in the series, manager Dave Roberts will be extra aggressive in using his high-leverage relievers, who didn’t get any action in Game 1. Ryan Brasier, Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips will be used in the pivotal moments of the game.

Any injuries of note?

D-backs: None

Dodgers: None.

Who’s hot, who’s not?

D-backs: The entire D-backs lineup appears to be hot at the moment. They’ve scored 22 runs in three games with the opposing starters being Corbin Burnes, Freddy Peralta and Kershaw. The D-backs ride waves offensively, and right now they are riding high.

Dodgers: Despite the blowout loss in Game 1, the Dodgers came away encouraged with the at-bats Smith had, going 2-for-4 with a two-RBI triple in the eighth inning. Smith is one of the Dodgers’ most important pieces in the lineup, but struggled in the second half of the season. If the All-Star catcher can get back to his usual production, the Dodgers feel confident in their ability to score runs.

Anything else fans should know?

D-backs: The D-backs have homered in 14 consecutive postseason games dating back to Game 3 of the 2007 NLCS against the Rockies. That ties them with the 2020-21 Dodgers and 2017-18 Astros for the second-longest such streak in history.

Dodgers: The Dodgers are the 16th team to lose Game 1 of a postseason series by nine or more runs. They’re looking to become just the seventh team to come back and win a series following the lopsided Game 1 loss.

LIVE: D-backs vs. Dodgers NLDS Game 2 on TBS