Over 42,000 people flocked to Chase Field on Friday night to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks defeat the San Francisco Giants to win their first NL West pennant since 2007.
First of all, it's tough to blame the fans for a lackluster performance in the early innings, as Giants pitcher Matt Cain worked methodically through the D-backs, a team he has faced an awful lot over his young career.
The Diamondbacks were held scoreless through the first six innings, and even throughout the entire game the home team was outhit by the Giants 11 to 6. Fortunately, the one score that matters, the final one, came out 3-1 in favor of the D-backs.
Paul Goldschmidt delivered in the biggest way, showcasing once again why he is the first baseman of the future in the desert. He is a poised player that is learning to improve his strikeout rate with the big club. By hitting a two-run triple with two outs in the eighth inning, young Goldy paved the way for J.J. Putz to lock down the West for the boys.
Expectations are high for this team that seems to win in spite of the odds every time they head onto the field. Whether they face the Philadelphia Phillies or the Atlanta Braves, one thing is for certain: the Diamondbacks are going to entertain the nation in the MLB playoffs.