Arizona @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 6, 2013 ) Arizona 0, San Francisco 3

The Arizona Diamondbacks still are alive mathematically in the playoff chase, but they’re also realistic heading into Saturday’s contest against the host San Francisco Giants. The team is expected to give several prospects extensive playing time over the next few weeks - including shortstop Chris Owings, this season’s Pacific Coast League MVP. Owings could provide more offense at shortstop than Didi Gregorius, who has struggled following an outstanding first half.

The Diamondbacks were held to one hit in Friday’s 3-0 loss, their fourth in six contests, and fell eight games behind Cincinnati for the National League’s second wild card. San Francisco's Buster Posey remains out with a small fracture in his right ring finger, allowing backup Hector Sanchez to receive valuable at-bats. Sanchez recorded a season-high three hits on Friday and has collected 14 RBIs in his last 17 games.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, FSN (Arizona), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Brandon McCarthy (3-9, 4.94 ERA) vs. Giants RH Matt Cain (8-8, 4.43)

McCarthy was a hard-luck loser against Toronto on Monday, when he surrendered four runs while tossing his second complete game of the season. The 30-year-old has been sharp in his last two outings, yielding four runs over 16 innings. In his lone career start against the Giants, McCarthy allowed four runs over six frames in a 9-6 loss on May 1.

Cain is making his first start since landing on the disabled list for the first time in his career on Aug. 22 with a bruised right forearm. The 28-year-old recorded five straight quality starts before suffering the injury. Paul Goldschmidt is 4-for-23 with a home run against Cain, who is 14-6 with a 3.39 ERA in 31 career outings versus the Diamondbacks.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants CF Angel Pagan is batting .313 (15-for-48) during his 11-game hitting streak.

2. The Diamondbacks are 53-21 when scoring four or more runs.

3. San Francisco RF Hunter Pence has reached base safely in 15 straight games.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Diamondbacks 1