By Morris Phillips

AP photo Marco Jose Sanchez: The Arizona Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt takes a hack for a RBI single in third inning of Thursday’s game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park

SAN FRANCISCO–When losing gains this type of intensity, philosophical leanings aren’t far behind, and a downcast manager Bruce Bochy was quick to put a hopeful spin on the Giants’ 1-8 slide that has them–at least temporarily–in fourth place in the NL West.

“This was a tough series for us. That’s what it is: one series and come back tomorrow.”

Didn’t say vivid or expansive, just hopeful. Now Bochy’s Giants have to make the next step.

The Giants got some assistance from the visiting Diamondbacks Thursday afternoon, but it was a helping hand, not a comprehensive bailout plan. Shelby Miller couldn’t get past the third inning, walking the first four batters of the frame prompting manager Chip Hale to pull the plug.

But reliever Tyler induced Brandon Belt to hit into a double play on his third pitch after his entering the game and the Giants didn’t threaten again. A 2-2 tie would be as close as the Giants would get in what would become a 6-2 loss.

“I could do a lot of things, I could move the order around, I’ll think on this believe me. That’s what my job is trying to figure out how to get this thing going. whether it’s moving guys up, moving guys around.” said Bochy “it’s too early hopefully to be pressing I don’t think they are. We just have some cold hitters right now. We’re having trouble putting the ball in play. It’s all we need sometimes. It’s a good line up and I still think were going to get this thing clicking.”

The Giants top brass general manager Bobby Evans and team vice president Brian Sabean had a meeting after the game with Bochy analyzing the offense it’s weaknesses and what cures can be made. The Giants with the loss are now 7-10 and fourth in the National League West.