A series that already has seen two dramatic endings will
wrap up with a single-admission doubleheader thanks to Sunday's
rainout.
The Giants will send two of the game's best young pitchers
to the mound to try to win their second straight series against a
National League East opponent. Right-hander Tim Lincecum will match up
with Mets right-hander Miguel Batista in the opener, and Giants
left-hander Madison Bumgarner will face right-hander Dillon Gee in the
second game.
San Francisco might be concerned with the back end of its
pitching staff, though, after the depleted bullpen has had a difficult
time finishing off the Mets without closer Brian Wilson. The Giants blew
a save before winning in 10 innings Friday, and they allowed the
winning run in the ninth inning Saturday.
The Mets have had their own bullpen issues in the series.
Closer Frank Francisco gave up the winning run Friday and was charged
with all three runs in the Giants' three-run ninth Saturday.
TV: approx., 7:40 p.m. ET, CSN-Bay Area
(San Francisco), WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (2-1, 3.63 ERA) vs. Mets RH Dillon Gee (1-1, 2.92 ERA)
Last year's slow start is a distant memory for Bumgarner,
who has allowed only three runs and 11 hits in 13 1/3 innings in winning
his past two outings after a sluggish season debut. He gave up two runs
over six innings Tuesday against the Phillies. Bumgarner is making his
first appearance against the Mets.
Gee looked like a potential ace his last time out, holding
the Braves to one run on four hits and striking out five over seven
innings. Gee is making his first start against the Giants, but he has
thrown 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief in two previous appearances.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Giants 3B Pablo Sandoval has hit safely in all 14 games this season, the longest active streak in the National League.
2. Mets 3B David Wright had his 10-game hitting streak
snapped Saturday, which also marked the first game this season in which
he didn't reach base at least twice.
3. Mets LH Johan Santana originally was scheduled to start
Monday, but the Mets will push him back one day to keep their rotation
in order the rest of the week.