It's been 18 straight innings now that the San Francisco Giants haven't plated a run, even in the offensively friendly confines of Minute Maid Park. They'll be sending Madison Bumgarner out on the mound today, but the real question of today's game will be if they can muster any semblance of a functioning offense against the Houston Astros' Jordan Lyles.
Lyles (1-7 5.31 ERA) is the youngest player currently in the majors, and his numbers show he still has some learning to do. He gave up seven earned runs in his last two outings back-to-back, giving up three long bombs to the Dodgers in his last start against the Dodgers. He is getting near the 170 innings pitched limit the Astros have placed on their young gun, a precaution put in effect by the team to protect his arm. If there was any pitcher anywhere on Earth that the Giants would like to face right now, It might be Lyles.
As for Madison Bumgarner (7-11 3.49 ERA), he was in Lyles place last year as one of the youngster players in baseball, and had his fare share of growing pains as well; mostly just a complete lack of run support though. Bummy is coming off of a no decision against the Braves after pitching seven innings of two run ball, only to watch his win turn into a Brian Wilson loss against the Braves last week. Giants starters have a 1.72 ERA this road trip thus far, and one win to show for it.
First pitch is set for 4:05 pm PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.