Arizona Diamondbacks: Time to take advantage of Giants in San Francisco

The Arizona Diamondbacks look to reduce their magic number at AT&T Park starting Friday

Even in the event of a tie in the standings, the Arizona Diamondbacks just about assured themselves home field advantage for the National League wild card game on Oct. 4 this week.

The D-backs dropped the first two games of the four-game set with Colorado, but rebounded to take the final two. Mathematically, Arizona only needed one win to secure the season series, which in the event of a tie in the season series, would still put the one-game playoff at Chase Field.

But they claimed the final two contests, including a 7-0 shutout on Thursday thanks to a five-run first and eight outstanding innings from right-hander Zack Godley.

Now, they turn the page to the San Francisco Giants (57-91), who have been in last place in the N.L. West all season.

Coming off an emotional series, like the one against the Rockies, can make any contending team become complacent and take bad teams for granted. If that was the reason for dropping two of three to the San Diego Padres last weekend, hopefully the Diamondbacks have learned their lesson.

If the D-backs pitching staff can hold the Rockies offense to three runs in the last two games, I think they can hold down the Giants. With a five-game advantage in the wild card standings, the Snakes cannot afford a let down.

This season, the Diamondbacks are 8-5 against the Giants, but only 2-4 at AT&T Park. Hopefully, their woes in San Francisco turn around this weekend. Also, the D-backs 40-27 mark against the N.L. West is the best among divisional teams.

Here is a look at the pitching match ups, and go D-backs!