David Zalubowski / AP

Colorado Rockies players celebrate after sweeping the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.

Tony DeMarco

This is the National League Championship Series you forecasted back in spring training, right?

Sure it is.

But just in case you missed your guess — say maybe with the New York Mets? — and you haven’t been paying anywhere near enough attention to baseball in the Mountain Time Zone, here is a crash course — a 101 and 101A, if you will — on the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

First of all, forget the notion that these aren’t the two best teams the National League has to offer. Were there unusual and fortunate circumstances involved in both teams getting to the NLCS, which begins Thursday in Arizona? Certainly.

The Diamondbacks became only the sixth team to reach the playoffs despite being outscored in the regular season. But instead of holding that against them as a fluke occurrence, think of it this way: Finishing 18 games over .500 at 90-72 isn’t easy to do when your opponents score 20 more runs than you do, but 32 one-run victories and a dozen pinch-hit homers definitely will help you get there — especially when you have arguably the best bullpen in the league.

“We know we will be playing a good team that has been very creative in finding ways to win,’’ Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said.

Meanwhile, the Rockies’ season went from a nice building block to something altogether different and franchise-changing with their historic late run to the playoffs. They were 76-72 when their streak — now at 17-1 — began in mid-September, and with a dramatic play-in game victory over the San Diego Padres last Monday, brought a 90-73 mark into the postseason.

And consider this: In the first 12 years of division series play, only twice have two teams from the same league swept their way into the championship series — the 1996 St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, and the 1997 Braves and Florida Marlins. Now we have the third such occurrence, with the Cubs and Phillies being quickly and convincingly wiped out.

Moments after Shane Victorino was retired by Manuel Corpas for the final out of a 2-1 Rockies victory on Saturday amidst roars of ‘sweep, sweep, sweep’, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel offered this assessment of the Rockies:

“If you look at their team, they’ve got some real good players. And the streak they’re in is probably the best I’ve ever seen, especially late in the season.’'

But if you think the Rockies’ streak is the result of a team that simply has caught lightning in a bottle, you’re wrong again. The facts are that the Rockies have the best record in the National League since May 22nd, the best home record since June 2nd, and the best ERA in the league after the All-Star break.

Baseball playoffs Recapping the World Series A look back at Red Sox vs. Rockies

“We have one of the better offenses in baseball, and they shut us down,’’ Manuel said. “They shut down our left-handed hitters. Their bullpen also was absolutely fantastic.’’

And while you’re at it, you should learn to pronounce Tulowitzki — as in Troy, the shortstop whom Todd Helton describes as ‘the perfect rookie’ — while you’re at it. (Hint: just Tulo will do).

In short, this is a team that used to trot out Hurdle as its front man to put a positive spin on a gruelingly slow building process, but now is all grown up with quality and experienced stars such as MVP candidate Matt Holliday, ace Jeff Francis, Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe.

There is a two-time All-Star closer (Brian Fuentes) being used as a setup man because of the emergence of Corpas, and when three starting pitchers were lost to injuries in the second half, the Rockies simply stuck with their from-within philosophy and promoted the two best arms they have ever had — Ubaldo Jimenez and Franklin Morales.

“We have good people,’’ Hurdle said. “They don’t get caught up in outside interests and opinions. They are more concerned with focusing on themselves. They love being around each other. From that standpoint one of the closest groups I’ve ever been associated with. The players have fueled this. I’m fortunate to be here. I’m so proud of them.’’

More news

Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images

Who deserves some early awards?

DeMarco: David Wright's hot bat — he's hitting .405 — makes him the pick for NL MVP thus far. But that's just for starters in our feature.

Pujols homers, Angels rally past Mariners

SEATTLE (AP) - Pinch-hitter Howie Kendrick broke a tie in the top of the ninth inning with a two-run single off Seattle closer Brandon League, and the Los Angeles Angels rallied from a 4-0 deficit for a 6-4 win over the Mariners on Friday night.

Headlines

• Label

Pirates blank Cubs for 10th straight loss

Joyce, Rays slam Red Sox  |  HBT: Benches clear

Nats handle Braves, extend NL East lead

Rangers crush Jays behind Cruz's 8 RBI

Yankees homer past Athletics, 6-3

White Sox stay hot as Dunn hits 15th HR

Stanton 1st player to hit Marlins' sculpture

HBT: Hamilton homers for first time since May 12