Wild-card contending Giants, D-backs open crucial set

(Photo credit: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The reeling New York Mets' struggles have breathed life into the National League wild-card race, and contenders San Francisco and Arizona will try to take advantage when they meet in a three-game series beginning Monday in Phoenix.

The Giants (75-74) sit 1 1/2 games behind the Mets (77-73) for the third wild-card position enter