The Skinny: Monday night went pretty much as expected for the Arizona Diamondbacks. With a sagging lineup and San Francisco ace Tim Lincecum on the mound, the equation was just right for a 6-2 Giants’ win. Bengie Molina’s 3-run homer in the 3rd inning was the big blow offensively for San Francisco, and Lincecum took care of the rest. The right-hander went 8 1/3 innings, falling short of his first career complete game, but struck out 9 and gave up only 7 hits in picking up his 16th win on the season against just 3 losses. The Diamondbacks put up two meaningless runs in the 9th when Adam Dunn scored on a fielder’s choice and Conor Jackson scored on a San Francisco error.

Diamondbacks’ starter Yusmeiro Petit fell kept the team’s recent trend of horrible starting pitching alive. The right-hander lasted only 2.2 innings and gave up 8 hits, 5 runs and 3 walks.

The Diamondbacks lost their 4th straight, and 12th in their last 16 games. They still trail the Dodgers by a game and a half, as Los Angeles was blanked by San Diego 4-0. The loss also drops Arizona to 71-72 on the season, the first time they have had a losing record since July 23rd, when they were 50-51.

Does it really matter at this point?: Sure it’s disappointing that a team that was in first place for 136 games of the season won’t win the division. But honestly, does a .500 team have a chance against teams like the Cubs, Milwaukee, Philadelphia or the Mets? The answer is no. The Diamondbacks not only have got into a complete tailspin, they have shown zero sign of life or fight in the last week and a half.

Sarcastic Diamondback bright spots: Rookie Jamie D’Antona had his first rbi as a major leaguer. Justin Upton didn’t make an error in right field…the Diamondbacks didn’t get shut out.

MLB.com : Recap | Boxscore

Here’s what others are saying about the Giants’ win over the Diamondbacks…

D-Backs drop another one [AZ Central]

Lincecum delivers against D-Backs [East Valley Tribune/AP]

Lincecum strikes out nine in win vs. D-Backs [San Francisco Chronicle]

The series continues Tuesday at whatever it is they’re calling that ballpark these days–I guess AT&T Park. Doug Davis will go for the Diamondbacks, and left-hander Barry Zito throws for San Francisco

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