Torey Lovullo takes on Radio icon's career-deciding bet on NLCS decider - "I'm looking forward to that"

Nobody expected manager Torey Lovullo's Arizona Diamondbacks to be within a game of the World Series. But despite sneaking into the postseason as the final NL Wild Card, that's exactly where the Snakes are.

Still, the Diamondbacks have dealt with more than their fair share of doubters. After besting the Phillies in Game 6 of the NLCS to force a game seven, the haters continued to berade the pesky Snakes.

Radio host Chris "Mad Dog" Russo of WFAN Radio in New York was among those most disparaging of the D-Backs. In the wake of Game 6, Russo took to his program, Mad Dog Sports, claiming that he would retire if the Diamondbacks won Game 7 on Tuesday.

"Chris Russo vows to retire ‘on the spot’ if Diamondbacks win NLCS Game 7" - Awful Announcing

After squeaking into the postseason, the D-Backs made short work of both the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers, two of the best teams in the NL. Moreover, after getting trampled 15-3 in the first two games of the NLCS against the Phillies, Torey Lovullo's team has tenaciously remained in the series.

Ahead of Game 7, Torey Lovullo hit back at Chris Rose. According to the 58-year old manager, Rose retiring would be a blessing. Lovullo, a former player, referred to Russo as a "wise guy" and claimed he would be happy to see Russo, a noted New York Yankees fan, retire.

"Lovullo: ‘There's nothing better than a wise guy New Yorker saying something and then having to chomp on those words. That's how I'm processing it. It will be great. ‘’" - Bob Nightengale

In Game 7, Lovullo will be starting Brandon Pfaadt, one of the heroes of Game 3 of the series. The 25-year-old rookie pitched 5.2 innings of shutout ball, allowing the Snakes to capture Game 3 of the NLCS in walk-off fashion. Pfaadt will be facing Philadelphia Phillies leftie Ranger Suarez.

Torey Lovullo deserves full credit, regardless of Game 7 outcome

The manager of the D-Backs since 2017, 2021 saw the Snakes post just 52 wins, tying them for the worst record in MLB. This season, Lovullo has shown a strong capacity to manage one of baseball's youngest and most dynamic team to within a game of the Fall Classic. Even if the Diamondbacks are unsuccessful in Game 7 against Philly, fans in the desert will have a lot to thank Lovullo for.