CHICAGO (AP) — Eric Byrnes homered twice and drove in five runs, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks over the Chicago Cubs 12-3 Friday in the opener of the final series of disappointing seasons for both teams.
Chris Young homered and had four hits, and Rusty Ryal drove in four runs for Arizona (69-91), which already is assured of finishing last in the NL West. The Diamondbacks have missed the playoffs two years in a row since sweeping the Cubs in the first round in 2007 and then losing in four games to Colorado.
Chicago was been expected to win a third consecutive NL Central title but instead is 82-77 and headed to a second-place finish behind St. Louis.
