The D-backs got off to a quick start in the bottom of the first inning when Aaron Hill doubled to deep left field to score Adam Eaton to put Arizona on top 1-0. Hill would then score off an RBI single to center field by Justin Upton to extend the lead to 2-0. Arizona would grab it’s third run of the inning when Mike Jacobs singled to center field to score Upton and put the D-backs on top 3-0.

Sep. 29, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton (10) is congratulated by manager Kirk Gibson after hitting a two run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE

Aaron Hill continued his big offensive evening  in the bottom of the fourth inning with an RBI single to right-center field to plate Adam Eaton and extend the lead to 4-0.

Arizona would get a couple runs in the bottom of the fifth inning off a two-run home run by Justin Upton to put the Diamondbacks on top 6-0. They added another run when Trevor Cahill walked iwth the bases loaded to plate Miguel Montero.

Trevor Cahill helped out his own cause on the evening with an RBI single int he bottom of the eighth to put the D-backs on top 8-0.

The Cubs would try and battle back in the top of the ninth inning when Alfonso Soriano hit a two-run homer to center field to cut the lead to 8-2.

Unfortunately for the Cubs, it wouldn’t be enough of a comeback effort as Trevor Cahill had one of his best starts of the season, when he allowed only two runs off four hits to get the complete game victory.

Arizona sends Josh Collmenter to the mound today in an attempt to complete the three-game sweep of the visiting Cubs.

A year ago, the Diamondbacks appeared to be unstoppable down the stretch, rolling over any NL West competitor that stood in their way. A main reason for that is that the team suffered the least amount of injuries out of any other team in the NL West. San Francisco may have had a slightly better pitching staff, but Arizona had more depth and was able to keep fresh legs on the field throughout the season.

August 5, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Henry Blanco (12) leaves the game with the trainer after being injured on a play at home plate against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Diamondbacks 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE

What a difference a season makes.

This season was a complete polar opposite of last year, as the 2012 D-backs have suffered (and continue to suffer) nagging injuries that force manager Kirk Gibson to shuffle his lineup more than he would like. Although it has given young players the opportunity to play and prove themselves, Gibby would like nothing more than to see consistency in his lineup.

The squad has suffered injuries and losses to key players throughout the season, such as outfielder Chris Young (Shoulder, quad), Willie Bloomquist (back), Daniel Hudson (Arm), Henry Blanco (Thumb), Paul Goldschmidt (back), Jason Kubel (hamstring), JJ Putz (back), and Chris Johnson (hand).

In comparison, the division champion San Francisco Giants have had a role reversal and have benefited from a healthier lineup than they did a season ago.

Some may call it bad luck, but in any case, we can agree that the stars did not align for these Arizona Diamondbacks and they will have to wait till next year to battle for the postseason once more.

For those fans who stuck around and kept faith in the club, they should be happy with what they saw down the stretch. The team showed a lot competitiveness and grit over the past month in a time when the schedule may not have been most favorable. Since a six-game losing streak that ended on August 29th against the Cincinnati Reds, the club has gone 15-11, with a combined 11-10 record against division rivals Los Angeles Dodges, San Francisco Giants, and San Diego Padres.

In any other season where the team was eliminated from postseason play, the club would have folded without much momentum heading into the following season. Kirk Gibson has the club fighting each and every night, and has played spoiler to many teams in the hunt for postseason play, most notably the Los Angeles Dodgers, who spent a whole lot of money but have yet to reap the rewards of their investment.

We have had the opportunity to watch out young emerging prospects such as outfielder Adam Eaton and Ryan Wheeler succeed with the great deal of playing time towards and the tail end of the season. We have also had the opportunity to watch our young core position players flourish into future stars, such as first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who looks to be the Arizona firstbaseman for years to come.

Best of all, we have been able to see some of our veterans overcome slow starts to their season by consistently battling each time they get the opportunity, most notably Ian Kennedy (who picked up his 15th victory of the season on Friday).

In my eyes, fans should be pleased with the way that the club has finished of their season and should look forward to another exciting and competitive season in the desert next year.