After tense series, D-backs wary of letdown

By Anthony Fenech / MLB.com | 08/05/11

PHOENIX -- Kirk Gibson was lost on Thursday.

"We're not usually home on an off-day. We're usually traveling," the D-backs manager said. "I got in a good nap, though. It was good.

"It was a very relaxing day yesterday."

A relaxing day after a not-so-relaxing series, in which the D-backs took two of three from their National League West rival and defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants.

"It was definitely a playoff atmosphere," infielder Ryan Roberts said. "Everything was at stake for first place, and we didn't come out of there with first place, but we did come out of there with two wins."

Transition to this weekend, when the fourth-place Dodgers come to town.

"We have to guard against a letdown," Gibson said. "But I'm pretty confident that when they get out there, when our pitcher goes out to the bullpen and guys start warming up, they'll be ready."

The D-backs took two of three against the Dodgers last weekend and are 6-3 against them this season.

"I thought the intensity level in the Giants series was top-notch," Gibson said. "And you have to try to keep that in every game. You can't take games for granted, so when we come out tonight, the off-day will be officially over and we'll have to get back to work."