Giants vs. Reds, 2012 NLDS: San Francisco looks to regroup on Sunday

The Cincinnati Reds proved too much for the San Francisco Giants in game one of the NLDS, leaving the Black and Orange one game closer to elimination. Now Bruce Bochy most rally his troops for their meeting on Sunday or they will be behind the eight ball on their way to the Great American Ballpark.

The Giants looked to have an early upper hand when Johnny Cueto left after facing just one batter with back spasms. San Francisco had the chance to take some punch away from the Reds' potent bullpen. Instead Mat Latos would keep the Giants in check four four innings of one-run ball, while Matt Cain and Santiago Casilla could not keep the Reds off the board, leaving San Francisco in an early hole in the series.

Brandon Phillips did it all on Saturday night for Cincinnati, knocking in three RBI with his two-run homer in the third inning and RBI single in the ninth. He also made some nice plays with the glove, including keeping Gregor Blanco at first base after and errant throw when bunting his way on in the eighth. Jay Bruce had a great game as well, finishing 2-4 with a solo homer.

Buster Posey made the most of his return to he postseason, aside from his passed ball in the ninth inning. His homer would be the lone earned run the Giants would receive, and will need a similar outing on Sunday (with hopefully some more support).

Brandon Belt had a nice showing in his first playoff game of his career, making an incredible catch in foul territory that sent him over the rail in the first inning, while drawing a pair of walks at the plate. Gregor Blanco had a good showing in his first postseason game as well, finishing 2-3.

All they can do now is hope to leave San Francisco Sunday night with a tied series. The Giants will look to even the series on Sunday with Madison Bumgarner taking on Bronson Arroyo, with first pitch cheduled for 6:37 p.m. PT with coverage on TBS.