D-backs attempt to solidify role as contenders
Jun 15, 2011, 5:31 PM | Updated: 6:44 pm
It may only be June, but the current three-game series between the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks is carrying a lot of significance to local fans.
“This is the biggest series thus far,” Sports 620 KTAR’s Ron Wolfley said on Doug and Wolf. “Coming into this series, it is a question of will the Diamondbacks boldly declare their intentions (to compete in the N.L. West)? Or will they step back?”
After losing 6-5 to the Giants on Tuesday, the Diamondbacks are a game and a half out of first place in the National League West.
It may seem a bit strange to talk about the playoff race with more than 90 games to go, but the D-backs have exceeded everyone’s expectations so far this season and excitement is high in Arizona.
While the Diamondbacks would like to win the next two games, and the series, to “boldly declare their intentions” of competing in the West, this is not the same Giants team that will be competing in August and September.
“The Giants are going to get better this year,” Doug Franz said. “They are not as good now as they will be later in the year, [and Arizona needs to] take advantage of it.”
A series victory may provide Arizona with a boost of confidence, but the Diamondbacks should not expect it to ignite fear in San Francisco.
The defending World Champions, and other playoff contenders, know that it’s how you finish a season, not how you start it, that matters most.
