The stage is set: the Giants control their own destiny. If they continue to win -- they're in.
The streaking Cubs did the Giants a favor by beating the second place Padres on Monday night in San Diego. The temperamental Carlos Zambrano threw seven shutout innings leading the Cubs to a 1-0 victory. San Diego now trails San Francisco by one game with six remaining.
The Giants begin a three-game series on Tuesday against the visiting Diamondbacks. The regular season concludes with a three-game set against the Padres beginning Friday at AT&T Park.
If the Giants stumble down the stretch, there's also the Wild Card option. It's a three-way race for the National League Wild Card spot between the Giants, Padres and Braves.