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.