With the start of the second half of the MLB season, fans of the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodges must love to see where each team rests in the standings as of now, sitting in first and second respectfully with only half a game separating the two. Now the heat is on for both squads as they try to lock up a playoff berth down the home stretch.

The Black and Orange take on the struggling Houston Astros at home to start the second-half, while the Dodgers get the slumping Padres at Dodger Stadium. Both teams will have elongated road trips as well with San Francisco heading to Atlanta after their current set, than on to Philadelphia to face the Phillies before returning to AT&T for three games with the Padres. Los Angeles will head to New York to face the Mets, than on to St. Louis before they meet back up with the Giants at the end of the month at AT&T Park.

Still, Arizona is just four games out of the lead, and can not be forgotten in this apparent three-team race with Colorado and San Diego well out of contention already. It's going to be a great race to the finish this year.

For more on the Giants, head over to McCovey Chronicles.