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Diamondbacks eye back-to-back win for first time in over three weeks

Sep 16, 2008 - 1:31 PM San Francisco (68-82) at Arizona (73-76) 9:40 pm EDT

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- A month ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks appeared to be a virtual lock for their fifth National League West title. Now, they would just like to string together consecutive wins.

The Diamondbacks target their first winning streak of any kind in over three weeks on Tuesday when they continue their three-game set against the San Francisco Giants.

Following a three-game sweep of San Diego from August 19-21, Arizona stood two games ahead of the Los Angeles (78-72) atop the division. Just over a week later, that advantage grew to 4 1/2 games as the Dodgers dropped eight straight.

Since August 29, though, the Diamondbacks have gone just 4-11, watching helplessly as Los Angeles rolled to a 13-2 record over that same time and reverse its deficit in the division to a 4 1/2-game advantage.

Arizona's losing ways came to a halt in Monday's series-opening 3-1 victory against the Giants, something they hope can help Dan Haren (14-8, 3.39 ERA) end his own losing streak.

The righthander extended his winless streak to four games in Wednesday's 4-3 setback to San Francisco after he allowed two runs - one earned - and six hits with three walks over four innings.

In an attempt to win for the four time in five games, San Francisco will turn to Matt Cain (8-12, 3.96), who has dropped four straight decisions. The righthander surrendered six runs and nine hits over 3 1/3 innings in Thursday's 11-3 loss at San Diego.