Brewers vs. Diamondbacks: NLDS TV Schedule, Live Streaming and Pitching Matchups

The surprising Arizona Diamondbacks make their first postseason appearance since 2007, when they went to the National League Championship Series, and they get to play against the powerful Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series.

The Diamondbacks were expected to be one of the worst teams in the National League this season, but an MVP-caliber season from Justin Upton, combined with some surprising pitching performances, pushed them over the top in the National League West this season.

The Brewers offseason acquisitions paid off exactly the way the team had hoped as they captured their first division championship since 1982. The team was led by MVP candidate Ryan Braun on offense and a terrific trio at the top of the rotation in Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum and Yovani Gallardo.

Series Schedule

Game 1, Saturday, Oct.1: Diamondbacks (Kennedy) at Brewers (Gallardo)

Game 2, Sunday, Oct. 2: Diamondbacks (TBD) at Brewers (TBD)

Game 3, Tuesday, Oct. 4: Brewers (TBD) at Diamondbacks (TBD)

Game 4 (if necessary), Wednesday, Oct. 5: Brewers (TBD) at Diamondbacks (TBD)

Game 5 (if necessary), Friday, Oct. 7: Diamondbacks (TBD) at Brewers (TBD)

Watch: All games broadcast on TBS (Times, TBD); MLB.tv Postseason Packages available for $3.99 or $5.99

Listen: All games broadcast on ESPN Radio; KTAR 620 AM (Arizona); WTMJ 620 AM (Milwaukee)

Key Storyline

Will Diamondbacks Be Overwhelmed By Playoff Stage?

Often we overrate how much experience actually matters, especially in the postseason. But the Diamondbacks were supposed to be in rebuilding mode. They were supposed to have some growing pains this season. They were supposed to be a lot of things that they didn't end up being.

They shattered any and all expectations we had for them entering this season, and now they find themselves playing on the biggest stage in baseball. They have some players left over from the 2007 team that won the NL West championship, but for the most part they are playing with young players yet to play in the postseason.

Justin Upton is the only star on this team, but he is going to need help from the rest of the lineup, and the pitching will have to hold down Milwaukee's big bats if they want to advance to the NLCS.

D-Backs' Player To Watch

Ian Kennedy, SP

Justin Upton is the star of the Diamondbacks, but Ian Kennedy's emergence as a quality starting pitcher has been the biggest reason that this team is in the postseason.

After flaming out with the Yankees, Kennedy has thrived as a member of the Diamondbacks. He is the pitcher the team is counting on to set the tone for the entire series. If he pitches well, the D-Backs can pull off the upset.

Brewers' Player To Watch

Rickie Weeks, 2B

The Diamondbacks are going to do anything and everything they possible can to avoid pitching to Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun in critical situations, so Weeks' performance will be even more critical to the offense.

It's not often that he is healthy, but when he is, he is dangerous with the bat. He has tremendous bat speed and the ability to turn on a pitch as well as any hitter in baseball. He can do for the Brewers what B.J. Upton did for the Rays in the 2008 ALCS.

Series Breakdown

The Diamondbacks have a better chance in this series than you might think. Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson have proven to be good National League pitchers. If those two can contain the Brewers offense, the Diamondbacks will have a chance.

The Brewers are strong at the top of the rotation and in the middle of the lineup, but they are not infallible. Yovani Gallardo has the stuff to be dominant, but he always has a few games every season where he looks lost on the mound. Zack Greinke has never pitched in the postseason before, and with his personal history you never know how he will respond to the big stage.

In the end, I think the Brewers are just a better team with more depth than the Diamondbacks. They have two legitimate stars in the lineup and a good collection of starting pitchers.

It will be close, but the Brewers will win their first postseason series since 1982.

Brewers win series, 3-1.