(My Sportsbook) - The Arizona Diamondbacks were supposed to be exposed to the rest of the league. Vulnerable, a walk over of sorts that is missing a pair of 20-game winners and has nearly a 1/4 of its roster on the DL. It seems that somebody failed to inform this group of rookies and relative unknowns that they aren't supposed to be winning or at least this much.

With a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday, the Diamondbacks have now won eight games in a row and have swept their last two series. They took three straight from the Reds this past weekend and have taken five of six contests from the Astros this month.

A team that has been riddled with injuries and inexperience is amazingly just one win short of tying the franchise record for consecutive victories. The Diamondbacks have strung together nine straight wins three previous times in the team's brief history.

On Wednesday night Elmer Dessens and company typified the positive attitude and play that is surrounding this team. Dessens had failed to record a decision in his last five starts and had been unimpressive since joining the team from Cincinnati in December. Yet, that all changed yesterday as he was able to keep the winning streak alive by pitching 6 2/3 innings and allowing just two runs on six hits.

"The team has been playing well and scoring some runs, so that was a good feeling," Dessens said in the Arizona Republic following the victory. "And I have confidence in our relievers - we have a good bullpen."

Dessens gave way to Stephen Randolph and recent call-up Brady Raggio. Randolph retired the only batter he faced, while Raggio pitched a scoreless eighth inning, striking out two.

"He sneaks in under the radar," Manager Bob Brenly said about Raggio in the Arizona Republic. "When we were checking with the Tucson people, we wanted someone who could throw strikes, and that's what he does, makes the hitters put the ball in play."

Brenly then brought in the surprisingly dominant, interim closer, Jose Valverde. He set the side down in order in the ninth inning, recording his eighth save in as many attempts this season.

"He has that closer mentality," Brenly said. "He expects the ball and has done nothing to discourage me from giving it to him."

Arizona's lineup has recently consisted of unknown names such as Matthew Kata, Alex Cintron, and Robby Hammock. While most fans and fellow players would probably say, "Who?" when presented with those names, that's seems to be just fine with them, as long as they keep flying under the radar and gaining ground in the NL West standings.

A three-game set with the lowly Detroit Tigers this weekend will help the chances of extending this winning streak past the previous franchise record and should get the team even closer than just the five games it trails the Giants in the NL West.

WHO'S HOT

Outfielder Steve Finley has been one of the main reasons for the team's recent winning ways, as he has batted .520 in his last seven contests with one home run and seven RBI.

Rookie first basemen Lyle Overbay has started to heat up in the month of June, as he has gone 7-for-20 over his last seven games played, with one home run and three RBI.

WHO'S NOT

Catchers Rod Barajas and Chad Moeller have gone a combined 4-for-25 over the last seven days of play, with just four RBI and four runs scored.

Reliever Mike Myers has been lit up during the month of June, sporting an ERA of 7.20 and failing to close down his only save opportunity of the month.

COMING UP

The Diamondbacks have today off and will begin their three-game series with the Tigers on Friday from Comerica Park. Arizona will then delve into a crucial four-game divisional series with the Rockies on Monday at Coors Field.