MILWAUKEE -- The D-backs would have liked to have come into the National League Wild Card Series on a roll instead of a four-game losing streak, but baseball history is littered with teams that either came in hot only to make an early exit or ended the regular season struggling only to catch fire.

As far as Arizona is concerned, the offensive struggles that led to its four-game losing streak are not something that will translate into today’s Game 1 of a best-of-three Wild Card Series against the Brewers at American Family Field.

“We have not swung the bats great the last few days, but that's over now,” D-backs general manager Mike Hazen said. “It’s brand new. Guys have to be able to go out there and relax, have the at-bats they need to have, get the barrel on the baseball. In a playoff series, the environment changes completely.

"Everybody would want to have any theoretical momentum you would think you would have going into the next stage, but that's not going to stop us from being prepared on pitch one of Day 1 to go out there and swing the bats like we have during periods of the season.”

But a word of warning to Milwaukee pitchers -- this D-backs team can create chaos on the bases.

“It’s part of the fabric of what we do. It’s part of our DNA as a team," Hazen said. "It's why we're here. We have speed, we have smart baserunners, we are capable of taking extra bases. We're capable of putting pressure on the opposition in ways that don't necessitate a three-run home run.

"You know, I'm sure the three-run home run is the preferred method of choice for most managers and GMs. But I feel like when we're at the top of our game, it's something that we do extremely well. And I think in playoff baseball, your ability to do the things that you do well become magnified.”

Outfielder Corbin Carroll became the first rookie in AL/NL history to hit 25 homers and steal 50 bases. With the rule changes this year that favor runners, it’s a common sight to see Carroll find a way to get on base -- whether by a walk or a bunt -- then steal second and sometimes even find his way to third when the catcher makes an error rushing his throw.

Fellow outfielders Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas also have speed, as does Ketel Marte. Five Arizona players stole at least 10 bases this season.

“They walk, and next thing you know, they're on third and there’s still one out,” first baseman Christian Walker said. “That changes the game. I can see it on pitchers' faces when I'm hitting. They're worried about a guy on first or a guy on second and also not making a mistake [to me]. You can feel it change the moment.”

It’s more than just speed, though, that makes the D-backs successful on the bases.

First-base coach Dave McKay is regarded as one of the best, if not the best, baserunning coaches in the game. No detail is too small for McKay. Before each game, he studies video of the opposing starter to look for the tiniest tell that a pitcher is going to the plate -- something McKay can use to help his runners get a good jump.

McKay’s tips and teaching were a big reason why a non-speedster like Paul Goldschmidt was able to steal 32 bases for Arizona in 2016.

It’s why Walker has 11 this year.

“It's not part of my game, right?” Walker said. “Like, I'm not going to steal 40 bags or anything like that, and teams aren't really expecting me to go. That being said, I'm always looking for an opportunity to help the team and get in scoring position. But I didn't grow up running, so it's very unfamiliar for me.

"So to have somebody like Dave on my side the last few years has made a huge impact. The comfort of him showing me tips and helping me with the preparation of a pitcher to notice what his move looks like so I don't get caught off guard or hung out to dry out there.”

It can all add up to chaos on the bases, which is a good thing for the D-backs.