The Arizona Diamondbacks won a grand total of one game in three chances against the San Francisco Giants, which actually raised the D-backs chances of making the playoffs from about 1 percent to almost 3 percent.
That said, there's about a 97-percent chance the Diamondbacks are just playing for dignity, and they retained some dignity by avoiding the sweep over the weekend.
Friday's came was just about over in the third inning, as the Giants scored one on a fielder's choice, then Hunter Pence teed off for a grand slam, increasing the lead to 5-0.
D-backs third baseman Chris Johnson drove in two runs on a pair of singles for the team's only runs, and although the D-backs racked up nine hits throughout the game, they never really got close.
Saturday's game was a bit more depressing. The D-backs were wearing the retro jerseys from the 2001 World Series year, but Luis Gonzalez didn't get to play until the legends game after the real game ended.
Wade Miley was pitching well, and Justin Upton homered to tie the game at one after four innings, but Giants catcher Buster Posey homered in the top of the fifth to open a 3-1 lead.
Even two runs would be too much for the D-backs to overcome. Paul Goldschmidt drove in a run in the bottom of the eighth to make it a one-run game, and although Miguel Montero led off the ninth with a single, his pinch runner was thrown out trying to swipe a base. The Diamondbacks lost that one 3-2.
Yesterday, though, the D-backs' bats showed up.
With the Diamondbacks up 2-1 through the top of the fourth, starting pitcher Patrick Corbin nailed a triple, driving in three runs.
Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong was then pulled, but Aaron Hill drove in two more after pulling a double to left field.
Justin Upton added another insurance run in the sixth with a solo homer, then the rest of the team roughed up the Giants' bullpen for a few more in the seventh.
Corbin got another hit and drove in another run -- his fourth RBI in the game -- and Gerardo Parra added the team's 10th run on a passed ball.
Corbin went eight innings last night, giving up eight hits, but just two runs.
The Diamondbacks now have 16 left, and while they're just 4 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot, there are four other teams in front of them ready to take any openings.
Another series against the San Diego Padres starts tomorrow at Chase Field, with Ian Kennedy facing off against Eric Stults.
