Giants Vs. Padres, Series Preview: San Francisco Beings 9 Game Homestand Against NL West Rival

The San Francisco Giants finally return to AT&T Park after a seemingly endless road trip to the East Coast, ready to start a nine game homestand on the shores of McCovey Cove, starting with the San Diego Padres for a three game weekend set.

The Black and Orange returned from their stops in New York and Cincinnati with a 4-3 record, ready to keep the good times rolling back in the Bay. Pablo Sandoval continues his hit streak, now up to a franchise record 19 straight to start the season, while Buster Posey, Angel Pagan, and even newcomer Joaquin Arias have been swinging the lumber very well as of late.

As for the Padres, they've gotten out of the gates very sluggish, though a litany of injuries and tough starting schedule have certainly not helped their cause. They enter the series with a 6-14 record after taking one of three against the Washington Nationals in their last set at Petco Park. But on the bright side for SD Jesus Guzman is expected back after missing the previous two games after having two teeth pulled.

Due to the double-header on Monday with the Mets, the Giants called up right hander Eric Hacker from Triple-A Fresno instead of sending Tim Lincecum out on short rest for Friday's start. Hacker is 4-0 with a 2.19 ERA in four starts for the Grizzlies this season, hoping to continue that success in his first start as a San Francisco Giant. He'll be facing the Pads Cory Luebke coming off of two straight victories with one earned run allowed in 15 innings pithced combined. First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. PT Friday evening with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.

Saturday features ace Tim Lincecum's return to China Basin after his first win of the season on Monday at Citi Field, though he still struggled a bit with his command, giving up five walks amongst his 108 pitches in just five innings pitched. He'll be facing youngster Anthony Bass, who is coming off his first win of the season against the Phillies, allowing just one run on three hits in six innings pitched. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. PT with coverage on NBC Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.

Sunday's finale with be a battle of the lefties as Madison Bumgarner takes on Clayton Richard, who have been having the opposite affect out on the mound as of late. Bummy is coming off of three straight wins, with four earned runs in 20.1 innings pitched combined over that span, while Richard has allowed 18 runs in 17.2 innings pitched over his last three starts. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.

For more on the San Francisco Giants, please check out McCovey Chronicles. For the Padres side of things, head on over to Gaslamp Ball.