Giants at Dodgers
Few teams needed an Opening Day win more than the San Francisco Giants, who already have placed their closer and two starting pitchers on the disabled list. The Giants continue their four-game series against the host Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday with some much-needed momentum after topping Clayton Kershaw in Thursday’s 1-0 victory.
With injured starters Madison Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija sidelined for several more weeks, the Giants opened the season by having four relievers allow a total of three hits over four frames following five strong innings from Ty Blach. Hunter Strickland recorded the save in place of closer Mark Melancon, who landed on the DL on Thursday with a right elbow flexor strain but hopes to return in a few weeks. “No question, it is disheartening to lose your No. 1 and No. 3 (starters) and your closer,” manager Bruce Bochy told reporters. “Last year, we didn’t do such a good job dealing with adversity. I think this team is equipped to respond in a better way.” The injury bug also has hit the Dodgers, who had Kiké Hernandez batting cleanup in their first game without Justin Turner (fractured left wrist), who is expected to return in 5-7 weeks.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), KTLA, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Johnny Cueto (2017: 8-8, 4.52 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (2017: 16-3, 2.72)
Cueto is looking to bounce back after battling blister and forearm issues last season while posting his worst ERA since his rookie year in 2008. The two-time All-Star worked 19 innings this spring, allowing seven runs with 19 strikeouts in five starts. Matt Kemp is 12-for-37 with three homers against Cueto, who owns a 6-8 record and 3.44 ERA in 17 career turns against Los Angeles - including a 4-5 mark and 2.67 ERA in nine outings at Dodger Stadium.
After recording 10 wins and a 1.67 ERA in the first half last season, Wood struggled with injuries and posted a 3.89 ERA in the second half. The 27-year-old was 2-1 in five spring starts, registering a 3.63 ERA with 22 strikeouts against six walks. Buster Posey is 7-for-15 against Wood, who is 2-2 with a 5.35 ERA in five career starts against the Giants - including seven solid innings during a victory in his last outing on July 28.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Giants play 17 of their first 19 games against National League West rivals.
2. Kemp has hit .279 with 24 home runs in 177 career games versus the Giants.
3. Bochy said Strickland will serve as the team’s regular closer until Melancon returns.