Twins at Giants
The San Francisco Giants are hoping an unconventional victory in Milwaukee marks the start of their climb up the National League West standings. After completing a 3-4 road trip, the Giants return home Friday to begin a three-game series against the visiting Minnesota Twins, who snapped Seattle’s five-game winning streak on Thursday.
Rookie left fielder Austin Slater belted his first home run Thursday as the Giants blew a two-run lead in the ninth before scoring four runs in the 10th for a 9-5 win over Milwaukee. “You look at how it’s gone for us – we’ve had some tough times -- and we give up a two-run lead there in the ninth and find a way to win the ballgame,” manager Bruce Bochy told reporters. “That shows a lot about them, the character and how resilient they are, to come back and put a four-spot up, especially on a road trip that hasn't been good for us.” The Giants look to build on the victory against Minnesota, which allowed a total of 18 runs in back-to-back losses to Seattle before holding on for a 2-1 victory on Thursday. Twins catcher Jason Castro homered for the third time in his last five games and is 11-for-39 during his 10-game hitting streak.
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (7-3, 2.44 ERA) vs. Giants LH Matt Moore (2-6, 5.22)
Santana turned in his worst start of the season last Saturday against the Angels, allowing seven runs on seven hits over four innings. The 34-year-old had given up just one earned run in 29 innings on the road before running into trouble in Anaheim, where he allowed Albert Pujols’ 600th career home run. Former Twin Denard Span is 14-for-36 with a home run against Santana, who is facing San Francisco for the first time in his 11-year career.
Moore is looking to bounce back after allowing five runs (four earned) over four innings last Sunday against Philadelphia. The 27-year-old has pitched much better at home this season, going 2-2 with a 2.57 ERA in five starts at AT&T Park compared to 0-4 with a 7.94 ERA in seven road outings. Moore is 1-0 with a 4.15 ERA in four career starts against Minnesota, including a rough showing last June when he allowed four runs over five innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Giants INF Eduardo Nunez, who was traded from Minnesota last July, has reached base safely in 23 straight games.
2. The Twins are 4-8 all-time against the Giants, including five straight losses.
3. San Francisco is 14-7 when scoring five or more runs.