The Arizona Diamondbacks opened the season with the best run in the National League in 41 years, relaying on pitching, defense and know-how to overcome the loss of what was expected to be their Nos. Washington also has played without some key components, but so far the results have not been as good as the teams head into a three-game series at Nationals Park this weekend. The Diamondbacks (17-7) are the first NL team since the 1977 Los Angeles Dodgers to win their first eight series of a season, and they will send top starter Patrick Corbin to the mound in attempt to get off on the right foot Friday.