The Giants had solid pitching in their last outing, but still succumbed in game three to the Los Angeles Dodgers, dropping a 1-0 game to avoid sweeping the NL West foes. Solid pitching will need to continue as they enter a three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers, who sit tied atop the NL Central. Milwaukee lost in their last outing as well, a 4-0 setback to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Their record on the road hasn't been impressive this year, but the Giants will have their hands full nonetheless.
Matt Cain will be taking the mound for the defending champions, and he's already suffered a loss at the hands of the Brewers this season. He gave up five runs on eleven hits over six innings of work. He's 2-4 with a 4.73 in six starts against the Brewers and most definitely needs some help from the Giants this time out. Well, there's no such thing as "most definitely" in any sport, but Cain has his work cut out for him to be sure.
He gave up one earned run (three total) off of three hits while fanning nine batters in his most recent outing, a no decision in a Giants 4-3 win against the Padres. Cain is 5-2 at home this season and is 8-5 with a 2.99 ERA in 20 starts.
Shaun Marcum will be the counter to Cain, and he lost to the Giants in his last outing against them, in the same series in which Cain suffered the five-run shelling. Marcum also gave up five runs, his off of six hits, getting the loss in a 5-4 decision. He's 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA against the Giants all time, which includes just two starts. He's 8-3 with a 3.39 ERA in 20 starts, and had a win in his last outing, a 4-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies, giving up two runs and four hits over five innings on the mound.
Pablo Sandoval should be back into the lineup for the Giants, after being held out of Wednesday's game against the Dodgers due to soreness. Jeff Keppinger might be a face we see more tonight, so far he's only had one at-bat, a pinch-hit flyout in Wednesday's game. Will Matt Cain get the kind of run support that he needs? Without the name "Matt Cain" there, it seems like a possibility, but given his history ... well, best to just say "who knows?"
The game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.