Giants rally falls short in 6-2 loss to D-backs

SAN FRANCISCO – Giants manager Bruce Bochy would like to give his bullpen a rest — and not only on the team's scheduled day off.

"There are some tired arms down there," Bochy said after San Francisco lost 6-2 to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night. "We did use a lot of them."

The Giants, who maintained their 4 1/2 game in the NL West because Los Angeles fell to the San Diego Padres 4-3, have an off day before hosting the Dodgers in a three-game series beginning Friday night.

Bochy used 24 pitchers in the three-game set against the Diamondbacks.

"As a group, the starters are not throwing quite as well," Bochy said. "Pitching is what got us here and I'm confident they'll get it together."

Tim Lincecum gets the first shot at the Dodgers.

"It is a big series," Bochy said. "This is September baseball. You're watching the scoreboard and it's going to be intense. This is why you play the game."

Xavier Nady left the game in the seventh inning with a strained left hamstring and will receive an MRI on Thursday.

"He knew he hurt it right away," Bochy said. "This is a big blow for us because he was swinging the bat well. We'll have to get creative out there."

Nady was brought in to solidify left field, the position Melky Cabrera played before his 50-game suspension.

Trevor Cahill took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in a game in which the benches cleared after a tag play at third base.

Cahill didn't give up a hit until Marco Scutaro led off the seventh with a single. He allowed another single and walked the bases loaded before being lifted for a reliever after 6 1-3 innings.

Cahill (10-11) retired the first 16 batters he faced in earning his 50th career win. He allowed two runs, walked two and struck out five in the Diamondbacks second straight win over the NL West-leading Giants.

Pablo Sandoval took exception with John McDonald, who came into third base without sliding in the eighth on a force play. Diamondbacks' coach and former Giant Matt Williams stepped in immediately as both benches cleared.

"Pablo felt like he elbowed him in the chest," Bochy said. "It's not a big deal. The game wasn't very pretty for us at all."

Madison Bumgarner (14-10) lost his third straight start after giving up four runs on seven hits over 6 1-3 innings. He walked two and struck out five.

Brandon Belt drove in two runs for the Giants, who have lost three of their last four games to the Diamondbacks.

Cahill lost the perfect game when he walked Brandon Crawford with one out in the sixth.

Cahill got an out after the first hit and left the game after Buster Posey's infield hit and Hunter Pence's walk. Mike Zagurski gave up Belt's two-run single.

NOTES: Giants RHP Clay Hensley (right groin strain) threw to hitters and should be available when he's eligible to come off the DL on Tuesday. ... Giants OF Jason Christian (left wrist sprain) will also be activated when he's eligible on Friday. ... Crawford committed his first error since July 28. ... RHP Tim Lincecum (8-14, 5.21) will start for the Giants on Friday night. He is 2-1 with a 2.55 ERA against the Dodgers this season. ... Cahill threw 67 pitches through six innings.