With the Chicago Cubs seriously behind in the standings heading towards the trade deadline once more, it's looking like they will be shopping just about everyone to see what they can get in return. The San Francisco Giants on the other hand are heating up, hoping to take care of the reeling Cubbies at AT&T Park this weekend.
San Francisco (27-24) is 12-8 over their last 20 games, winners of three of their last four while the Cubs (18-32) recently broke a 12-game losing streak with a series sweep over the struggling Padres in San Diego. That certainly should give them some confidence heading into this matchup, though the Black and Orange are sending out their most productive starters this series.
It's a battle of the lefties on Friday as Paul Maholm (4-3, 4.62) takes on Madison Bumgarner (5-4, 3.14). Bummy has lost three of his last four outings now, though put a 5-game win streak together earlier in the year, and is looking to start a new one. First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. PT with coverage on NBC Bay Area.
Saturday will see Matt Garza (2-3, 4.22) face off against Matt Cain (5-2, 2.79). Cain has been dominant on the mound as of late, taking the W in his last four starts, with three of those starts on the road. As for Garza, he hasn't won since the end of April, including back-to-back losses his his previous two starts. First pitch is at 4:15 p.m. PT with coverage on FOX.
Youngster Travis Wood (0-1, 5.94) will square off with veteran Barry Zito (4-2, 3.41) in Sunday's matchup. Zito continues to impress despite showing some issues from time to time, working his way to three wins in his last four starts. As for Wood, it will be only his fourth start of the season for Chicago, still searching for his first win of the year. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area.
Monday's finale will pit Jeff Samardzija (5-3, 3.09) against Ryan Vogelsong (3-2, 2.36). Vogey has become the poster-child for gutting out his outings, fighting through some early troubles for another victory in his last start against Arizona. First pitch is at 12:45 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area.
San Francisco has won 8 of their last 12 games at AT&T, and are 14-11 this year at home.
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