An even record. As many wins as losses. The epitome of mediocrity.

And, for the 2012 Arizona Diamondbacks, an achievement worth talking about.

Sunday's 4-3 win over the A's was the team's fifth in a row, and seventh in its last eight games. The five-game mark is a season- high, and the record is even for the first time since May 5.

"Well we've kind of got back on track," D-backs skipper Kirk Gibson said after the game Sunday. "We were at a point where I think some questioned where we were headed, so that's a good sign for us."

The D-backs' offense is starting to come alive, due in large part to the streaks sluggers Paul Goldschmidt and Jason Kubel are on. The first baseman is riding a 17-game hitting streak, while the left fielder has batted .571 with two home runs and 12 RBI in his last four games.

"We've just been doing a lot of things right," Goldschmidt said Sunday. "Some big hits, two out RBIs, good pitching, good defense.

"That's kind of what it takes, so hopefully we can keep it going."

It won't be easy.

The D-backs' schedule gets a little tougher now, as consecutive series with the struggling Padres, Rockies and A's will be followed by trips to Texas to face the Rangers and Los Angeles to battle the Angels.

Both are considered to be American League contenders, and each will present a challenge for the resurgent Diamondbacks.

But that's for another day (Tuesday, to be exact). For now, the reigning NL West champs can feel good about themselves -- at least, as good as a third-place team can feel. Though they are still 8.5 games back of division-leading Los Angeles, there is hope that the season has been turned around and good things are coming.

"What we were lacking earlier was just kind of falling short and kind of on the little things," Sunday's starting pitcher Joe Saunders said. "I think now we kind of turned the page on that and we're starting to do the little things right, and executing and doing what we need to do."

Arizona Sports' Craig Grialou contributed to this report