Phillies at Giants
After signing a six-year, $35.56 million contract extension, Madison Bumgarner will look to reward the San Francisco Giants' faith in him on Tuesday when he takes the mound against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies. Philadelphia has won two straight while San Francisco has dropped two in a row after a three-game winning streak.
Bumgarner will look for a better start than the one put forth on Monday by Tim Lincecum, who was rattled for a four-run first inning in Philadelphia's 5-2 series-opening victory. Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino had two hits apiece - including RBI singles in the decisive frame - and Laynce Nix added a two-run double to highlight the first inning.
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, CSBA
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Joe Blanton (1-1, 2.35 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (1-1, 3.97 ERA)
Although he traditionally takes a bit to get going, Blanton got out of the blocks with a flourish in his first start. The hefty right-hander yielded just one run on three hits in seven strong innings as he handcuffed the Miami Marlins last Thursday. Blanton has struggled in his career versus the Giants, posting a 2-3 mark with a 4.73 ERA and 1.45 WHIP.
After a shaky season debut, Bumgarner returned to form by tossing seven solid innings in a 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies last Thursday. The former first-round pick fared well in his lone start versus the Phillies, but he was left with a no-decision after he struck out nine over eight innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pablo Sandoval, who is riding a 10-game hitting streak, has failed to reach base in six career at-bats versus Blanton.
2. While Sandoval has struggled against Blanton, Angel Pagan has had his number. He is 6-for-12 in his career with two homers versus the hurler.
3. Philadelphia has won four of its last five meetings with San Francisco. Prior those contests, the Giants got the better of the Phillies in the 2010 National League Championship Series and went on to win the World Series.