Phillies at Giants
The Philadelphia Phillies went nearly an entire week without a victory before capturing a wild affair and look to make it two wins in a row when they conclude their seven-game road trip Sunday with the finale of their four-game series against the San Francisco Giants. Philadelphia had lost six straight before outlasting the Giants 12-9 on Saturday for the first triumph on its trek.
Rhys Hoskins belted a three-run homer in the third inning - his fourth blast in 33 major-league at-bats - and pinch-hitter Ty Kelly highlighted a seven-run sixth with his first career grand slam as the Phillies held on after allowing five runs in the ninth. San Francisco brought the tying run to the plate but was unable to complete the comeback, ending its home winning streak at four games. The Giants have had no trouble creating offense in the series, totaling 24 runs in the first three contests, but have allowed the worst team in the majors to score 18. Pablo Sandoval, who hadn't recorded a multi-hit performance since May 31 while with Boston, has gone 4-for-8 with three RBIs over his last two games after an 0-for-4 effort in the series opener.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Ben Lively (1-4, 3.80 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (3-5, 2.99)
Lively is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make his eighth start of the season - and his career. The 25-year-old Floridian has not pitched for Philadelphia since July 5, when he took the loss against Pittsburgh after yielding four runs - two earned - and five hits in four innings. Lively's lone victory came in his major-league debut as he allowed one run and four hits over seven frames on June 3 versus San Francisco.
Bumgarner's injury-plagued season has taken a turn for the better as he has won two straight starts and three of his last four decisions. However, the 28-year-old native of North Carolina had his problems at Miami on Tuesday, when he yielded four runs and nine hits - two homers - over six innings. Bumgarner has posted a 4-3 record and 3.60 ERA in nine career starts against Philadelphia.
WALK-OFFS
1. Giants RHP Johnny Cueto, whose recovery from a blister was hindered by a flexor strain, is expected to begin another rehab assignment Monday with Triple-A Sacramento.
2. Philadelphia sent RHP Casey Fien (shoulder), who has gone 0-1 with a 10.50 ERA in four relief appearances for the team this season, to Lehigh Valley for a rehab assignment.
3. San Francisco OF Denard Span's inside-the-park homer on Saturday was the first of his career and the 11th at AT&T Park since it opened in 2000 - seven of which were recorded by Giants.