As the Atlanta Braves go for their fifth consecutive victory at AT&T Park, the San Francisco Giants look to keep them in check while extending their first place lead in the NL West.
After sweeping the Dodgers in their last set, the Black and Orange turn to Barry Zito (9-8, 4.42 ERA), who is 4-1 with a 2.03 ERA in six career starts versus the Braves. The former Cy Young winner allowed just three hits in seven innings of work during the Giants' 9-0 win at Turner Field on July 17. This will be his first appearance against the Braves at AT&T Park.
Atlanta will send out Tommy Hanson (12-5, 4.27), who has been solid since returning form the DL. He allowed three runs in 6 2/3 innings against the Dodgers on Friday. He is 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA in four career starts against the Giants, including one in the 2010 playoffs.
It remains uncertain if Buster Posey will return to the lineup on Thursday after he was a late scratch on Wednesday with some hamstring tightness. He is 7-for-12 with three doubles and six RBIs against Atlanta so far in 2012.
First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. PT this evening with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.
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