Pirates at Giants
The predicted problems for the San Francisco Giants have yet to surface while their predicted strength is just now rounding into form. Expected to once again be near the bottom of the league in scoring, the Giants lead the NL West in runs but also in runs against. The Pittsburgh Pirates would love a few runs, as they rank last in the majors in scoring. The Pirates managed a total of four runs in being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The vaunted San Francisco staff allowed 17 runs at Colorado on Wednesday but righted itself Thursday with a strong performance from Madison Bumgarner. Barry Zito’s gem two days prior almost makes up for the struggles of ace Tim Lincecum. Andrew McCutchen is batting .409 and Casey McGehee is off to a hot start, but the rest of the Pirates’ lineup is having trouble getting out of first gear.
TV: 4:35 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), CSBA (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUPS: Pirates RH James McDonald (0-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Giants RH Matt Cain (0-0, 7.50 ERA)
McDonald was the victim of poor support in his first outing, when he held Philadelphia to two runs and four hits in six innings but did not factor in the decision. The 27-year old has made 10 appearances - three starts - against San Francisco in his career, going 1-2 with a 3.08 ERA. Pablo Sandoval, Angel Pagan and Aubrey Huff each have four career hits off McDonald.
Cain signed a six-year, $127.5 million contract extension at the end of spring training and promptly struggled, surrendering five runs in six innings at Arizona over the weekend. He has been better against the Pirates in his career, going 1-2 despite a 3.63 ERA in eight starts. Cain has held McCutchen to 1-for-10 with three strikeouts.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Giants OF Melky Cabrera is off to a hot start with his new club, posting three straight multi-hit games to lift his average to .385.
2. McCutchen is a career .208 hitter against the Giants.
3. San Francisco, which will be enjoying its home opener, went 46-35 at AT&T Park last season.