Giants at Rockies
The Colorado Rockies possess the best record in the National League, and games against the San Francisco Giants certainly have helped them ascend to that stature. Colorado looks to improve to 8-1 against San Francisco on Friday, when it hosts the second contest of their four-game series.
The Rockies, who have won nine of their last 12, let an eight-run lead get away in the opener before Ramiel Tapia's run-scoring single in the bottom of the ninth inning provided a 10-9 victory. Nolan Arenado drove in four runs and DJ LeMahieu recorded four hits to highlight Colorado's 15-hit attack. San Francisco has dropped 12 of its last 16 contests, and the latest defeat dropped the club to a season-worst 16 games under .500. Buster Posey went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer on Thursday but departed in the seventh inning due to an ankle injury, which is expected to keep him out of Friday's game.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco), ROOT Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (2-8, 4.31 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (8-2, 3.84 ERA)
Samardzija lost to Minnesota in his last turn as he gave up three runs and four hits in six innings. Despite striking out 100 and issuing just 12 walks, the 32-year-old is tied for most defeats in the majors. Samardzija is 0-2 with an 8.03 ERA against the Rockies this season, dropping him to 3-4 with a 3.24 ERA in 13 career appearances (nine starts), and has struggled with Arenado (10-for-23, six RBIs).
Senzatela has been a solid surprise for the Rockies as he is tied for second in the majors in victories. He did not factor in the decision in his last turn, when he gave up four runs and seven hits over four innings against the Chicago Cubs - marking the fourth time in six outings he allowed four runs. Senzatela is 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA in two starts against the Giants this season and hasn't issued a walk in 14 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Giants rookie OF/3B Austin Slater went 4-for-5 on Thursday and is 12-for-20 with five RBIs during his five-game hitting streak.
2. Arenado has recorded 70 career RBIs - and 20 homers - versus the Giants after driving in four runs on Thursday.
3. San Francisco ace LHP Madison Bumgarner (shoulder) will throw a simulated game on Sunday and then report to the club's training facility in Scottsdale, Ariz. to continue his rehab.