Arizona Diamondbacks: Snake, Rattle, and Roll(ing) Toward the MLB Playoffs

The Arizona Diamondbacks, winners of four straight, are yet again steamrolling the competition.

The D'Backs defeated the San Diego Padres Friday night, 5-0.

The team returned home last night after a tough 10-game road trip on the East Coast. The Diamondbacks struggled on the road before winning their final three games against the Washington Nationals, salvaging a 4-6 record on the trip. 

After scoring just 16 runs in the first nine games of their road trip, the Diamondbacks have scored 13 runs in their last two games.

This is the offense that fans have become familiar with this season. The team packs a punch, averaging 4.4 runs/game.

In the last two games, Chris Young, Paul Goldschmidt, and the recently acquired Aaron Hill have combined for four runs and nine RBI. Major contributions from these men will be relied upon the rest of the way.

Young has struggled the second half of the season, hitting just .150. The former All-Star will have to rise to the occasion.

Goldschmidt is just getting his feet wet as a rookie in the MLB, but great things are expected of him. In 22 MLB games, he has five homers, 13 RBI and 10 runs scored. He has the power to put the Diamondbacks over the top.

Hill is also known for his power. He has RBI in back-to-back games for Arizona, which brings a calm relief to fans.

Together, Young, Goldschmidt, and Hill will have to produce in order to protect star Justin Upton down the stretch. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks look as though they have all the confidence in the world at the moment, which is a great thing because they'll need it over the next month.

The team is currently 73-59 on the season and hold a three game lead over the San Francisco Giants in the NL West. 

The D'Backs have 30 games remaining on the schedule, 27 of which are against NL West foes. The ball club is 24-21 against divisional rivals to date. 

With minimal room to spare, the Diamondbacks will have to play their best ball of the season from here on out.

The 2011 Arizona Diamondbacks are headed for the MLB playoffs. Buckle-up and enjoy the ride.