Giants vs. Diamondbacks
San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain recently became the highest-paid right-handed hurler in baseball history. His first start of the 2012 season would be a good time to live up to his new status level. The Arizona Diamondbacks have beaten the Giants in the first two games of the season and have won seven straight games overall against San Francisco entering Sunday’s series finale. Cain gets an opportunity to put a halt to the streak in his first outing since signing a $127.5 million extension through the 2017 campaign.
The Diamondbacks won both games by identical 5-4 scores and are 2-0 for the first time since 2002. Aaron Hill hit two homers in Saturday’s victory and Chris Young has driven in two runs in each game. Defending National League West champion Arizona is looking to win its first three games for only the second time in franchise history. San Francisco is looking to avoid an early hole as well as trying to put an end to Arizona’s recent domination.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, CS BayArea (San Francisco), FS Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Matt Cain (2011: 12-11, 2.88 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Josh Collmenter (2011: 10-10, 3.38 ERA)
Cain landed his megabucks deal despite being only 69-73 in his career. He often has received low run support during his career and has sported an ERA of less than 3.00 in two of the past three seasons. Cain is 10-6 with a 3.46 ERA in 23 career starts against the Diamondbacks. He has limited Arizona hitters to a .217 batting average.
Collmenter’s 10 victories matched Arizona’s record for a rookie. He had a rough spring training but still landed the No. 3 starter role being Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson. Collmenter has good control and walked just 28 batters in more than 154 innings last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arizona closer J.J. Putz saved the first two games and has converted 26 straight opportunities dating back to June 28.
2. Giants outfielder Nate Schierholtz is hitting only .170 in 100 career at-bats against Arizona.
3. Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton is batting .306 against Cain in 36 career at-bats.