Rivalry renewed: Dodgers stand in Giants’ way

The San Francisco Giants hoped the home-field advantage in the final three games of the regular season would work to their benefit in the race with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League West crown. San Francisco needs a series win -- perhaps even a sweep -- against Los Angeles in the three-game set that begins Friday night. The Giants (84-75) are sandwiched between the New York Mets (85-74) and St. Louis Cardinals (83-76) in the three-team battle for the two NL wild cards.