Thank You, Diamondbacks For A Great 2011 Season

Diamondbacks Vs. Brewers, Game 5: Milwaukee Advances After 10 Inning Thriller

The Arizona Diamondbacks magical season came to an end in a fantastic NLDS Game 5 that saw the Milwaukee Brewers do just enough to get the win and advance to the National League Championship Series. The D-backs got the early lead off a Justin Upton solo home run but couldn't find away to win despite multiple opportunities and another ninth inning rally. The Brewers won the game 3-2 with a walk-off hit in the 10th inning.

It was an incredible season for Arizona and an incredible game to end it. It's unfortunate that the D-backs couldn't get the win and continue their run but it just wasn't meant to be.

Ian Kennedy started strong but surrendered a run in the fourth inning after he lost control and walked one Brewer and hit another before allowing a bases loaded, one-out sac fly. In the sixth inning with Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder on first and second, Chris Young made an incredible catch in deep center field to save a couple of runs. (Here's video of that amazing catch.)

Unfortunately, Kennedy couldn't follow up Young's great play and allowed a base hit to Yunieskey Betancourt to give the Brewers a 2-1 lead. Kennedy finished the game with six innings, five hits, two runs, two walks and five strikeouts. It was a strong showing but just not quite enough.

Down 2-1 in the eighth, the D-backs loaded the bases with one out against Francisco Rodriquez but couldn't come through with the needed hit. In the ninth, however, facing closer John Axford who had 46 saves on the season the Snakes once again came through with the big hits.

It was Gerardo Parra who was hitless in the series that lead off with a double. Sean Burroughs off the bench moved him to third with a bloop single and Willie Bloomquist laid down a perfect safety squeeze bunt to score the game-tying run.

Everything was lined up for another comeback for this team that came from behind 48 times to win during the regular season. But this time, the magic went for the home team.

In the bottom of the tenth inning it was the D-backs great closer J.J. Putz who couldn't deliver. He have up a single to Carlos Gomez who then stole second on a ball dropped by backup catcher Henry Blanco on the exchange. That set up Nyjer Morgan's game-winning, walk-off single.

Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo went six innings allowing six hits, one run, two walks with five strikeouts.

The D-backs left 11 runners one base and went 2-11 with runner in scoring position. Credit the Brewers for making the big plays, including catcher Jonathan Lucroy who blocked multiple balls and prevented runs with his work behind the plate.

Milwaukee will face the winner of the Phillies vs. Cardinals with Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday.

For more postgame and postseason reaction, visit AZ Snake Pit.

Chris Young's Incredible Catch Saves D-backs From Brewers Rally (VIDEO!)

Diamondbacks Vs. Brewers Score Update: Milwaukee Takes Advantage Of Wild Kennedy

Ian Kennedy was flat cruising through the first three innings facing just one batter over the minimum. With Justin Upton's solo home run in the bank, the Arizona Diamondbacks held a one-run lead over the Milwaukee Brewers until things went south fast.

Kennedy started the fourth inning with a double from Nyjer Morgan, who had just one hit in the series before blasting one to the wall over Upton's head in right field. Kennedy then seemed rattled and lost control of the strike zone. He walked Ryan Braun ahead of Prince Fielder who swung at a couple of pitches high and out of the zone and eventually popped out. 

Facing Rickie Weeks, things looked good for Kennedy to work out of the jam given Rickie's poor showing in the playoffs so far. Instead, he drilled Weeks to load the bases with out out. Jerry Hairston had the opportunity to but big numbers on the board but instead fly out to shallow right. It was good enough for an RBI sac fly, but not the hit the Brewers fans were hoping for.

Betancourt grounded out to end the inning and let Kennedy off the hook with just one run allowed.

The game was tied 1-1 heading into the fifth inning with Kennedy back on the mound and back in control.

Diamondbacks Vs. Brewers Score Update: Justin Upton Home Run Gives D-backs 1-0 Lead

Ian Kennedy has lived up to his billing as the Diamondbacks' ace in Game 5 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers. Through three innings, Kennedy has given up only one hit and has struck out four Brewers.

Justin Upton delivered the only run of the game, driving a full count pitch from Yovani Gallardo over the right field fence in the top of the third inning.

Gallardo has thrown 66 pitches through the first three innings, while Kennedy threw 36. In the first two innings, the Diamondbacks had runners in scoring position before finally breaking through with the Upton home run in the third.

Kennedy showed off his skills with the bat, fighting off several Gallardo pitches in the top of the second with two men on base. The inning ended with a line drive caught by Ryan Braun, but the D-backs are attacking Gallardo in every single at-bat.

For more on the Diamondbacks and their postseason goals, head to AZ Snake Pit.

Ian Kennedy: Diamondbacks' Season Comes Down To Their Ace

Diamondbacks vs. Brewers, Game 5 Lineups: D-Backs Keeping Things Simple

After a hard fought series and an even more grueling regular season, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers find themselves one game away from going home as the Brew Crew host the D'backs for game 5 on the NLDS at Miller Park. 

The offense has been coming in droves for both of these teams, but with Ian Kennedy and Yovani Gallardo taking the mound, we could have ourselves a good old fashioned pitcher's duel to decide who continues on into October. The players know what is at stake, and they are ready to head into the unknown:

"It hasn't been easy all season, so by no means did we expect the postseason get any easier," Chris Young said. "Sometimes your back's going to be against the wall and you have to overcome some things to get to the next round. Understanding that, I think we're pretty prepared."    

As for the lineups, skipper Kirk Gibson switched Chris Young and Ryan Roberts in the sixth and seventh spots in the order, but essentially kept the same lineup from last game. Bloomquist will bat lead off, Justin Upton third, while Montero will bat clean up and catch Kennedy this evening. 

Milwaukee went with their lineup from games one and two with Cory Hart batting leadoff, followed by Nyger Morgan, Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. Jerry Hairston will play third base and bat sixth, while Jonathan Lucroy will be the backstop for Gallardo this evening. 

Your Arizona Diamondbacks:

1. Willie Bloomquist SS
2. Aaron Hill 2B
3. Justin Upton RF
4. Miguel Montero C
5. Paul Goldschmidt 1B
6. Chris Young CF
7. Ryan Roberts 3B
8. Gerardo Parra LF
9. Ian Kennedy P    

Milwaukee Brewers Lineup:

1. Corey Hart RF 
2. Nyger Morgan CF 
3. Ryan Braun LF 
4. Prince Fielder 1B
5.  Rickie Weeks 2B
6.  Jerry Hairston 3B 
7. Yuniesky Betancourt SS 
8. Jonathan Lucroy C 
9. Yovani Gallardo P     

Get your popcorn ready folks, it's going to be a wild one up at Miller Park.

First pitch is set for 2:07 pm MT with coverage on TBS. 

Diamondbacks Vs. Brewers, Game 5: Kennedy And Gallardo For All The Marbles

The Arizona Diamondbacks forced a decisive Game 5 in Milwaukee. Can they pull out yet another surprising win against tough odds?