Kelly Johnson, Justin Upton, and Chris Young had two hits apiece, but it was not enough for the Diamondbacks as they fell 5-2 to the Giants on Wednesday night.
When this important series began, Arizona was only a half game back of the NL West-leading Giants. After tonight's loss, they are now 2.5 games back and sinking quickly.
J.J. Putz had a rough night, giving up two runs in the ninth to give the Giants a 3-run lead. Starting pitcher Joe Saunders went seven good innings, serving up only three earned runs.
Stephen Drew and Xavier Nady had rough nights, going a collective 0-for-8 in the 5th and 6th spots in the batting order. Some timely hitting would have put the Diamondbacks much closer in this game, but their lack of clutchness shone through tonight.
The Diamondbacks look to salvage the series on Thursday night, when they send staff ace Ian Kennedy to the mound against San Francisco treat Ryan Vogelsong. Both pitchers are having career seasons, and this matchup should be appealing to baseball fans.