Series Preview: First-place Giants visit skidding Snakes

Johnny Cueto and the first-place Giants come to Chase Field on today to take on the Diamondbacks in a three-game weekend series in the desert.

The D-Backs are have lost their last five games, and their chances look relatively meek against the likes of Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija this series. Arizona seemed to have finally hit its stride in late June, having strung together some impressive series’ against the Phillies, Blue Jays, and Rockies. However, a three game sweep from Philadelphia suddenly sent an excited Arizona team into free-fall in the NL West. The Snakes are now 13.5 games behind the Giants, only two games in front of the last place Padres.