Arizona Diamondbacks: Upton Homers to Give Kennedy His 20th Victory; Magic No. 4

The Arizona Diamondbacks didn't get much offense on Monday, but they didn't need it.

Justin Upton's sixth-inning homer was all Ian Kennedy needed en route to his 20th victory of the season.

Who say this guy is out of the running for Cy Young this year?

Kennedy appears to be saving his best for last as he pitched eight innings of one-hit baseball. He also struck out 12. In somewhat of a twist of fate, Kennedy's only hit allowed was to the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, Jeff Karstens. 

Oh well, Kennedy looked simply dominant as the D'Backs moved within four games of clinching the NL West.

Monday night was a testament to the team's success this year because of another stellar outing from Kennedy, and Upton uplifting the team with a round tripper. It's good to see the team's two studs carry them down the stretch.

The Diamondbacks have eight games remaining but have minimal breathing room because the San Francisco Giants are the hottest team in baseball right now.

The Giants are 5.5 games back of the Diamondbacks, but have won eight straight. Although they appeared slayed just a week ago, the Giants are just 3.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the race for the NL Wild Card. 

With an upcoming three-game series in the desert against the Giants this weekend, the Diamondbacks need to focus on the task at hand and sweep the Pirates.

The Diamondbacks now trail the Milwaukee Brewers by one game for home-field advantage when the playoffs begin. With all home games remaining, look for the D'Backs offense to come alive over the next eight games to put them over the hump.

This team looks loose, as it is evident that their having fun. Manager Kirk Gibson will remind his men that this is no time to be complacent, there's plenty of work to be done.