The San Francisco Giants ended their 20-game roadie across the country by taking two out of three against the D-backs this week, finally earning themselves a day off on Thursday. Now they must regroup for the visiting Chicago Cubs who despite a long skid have turned it around as of late against the NL West.
After a three-game sweep in San Diego the Cubs continue their West Coast road trip at McCovey Cove, turning to Paul Malholm (4-3 4.62) to get it done in the series opener. Maholm has been up and down this season, going 2-1 with a 3.56 ERA in May starts, though he struggled to get through five innings against Pittsburgh his last outing. He is 0-1 in four career starts at AT&T Park.
The Giants will send out Madison Bumgarner (5-4 3.14), who is 0-3 in his last four starts. Bumgarner was a far cry from his normal self, allowing four earned runs in each of his losses. Still, the Cubs could prove to be the big lefty's panacea as he is 2-1 lifetime against Chicago with a 2.03 ERA, 29 strikeouts and a .230 BAA in four career starts.
First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.
For more on the Giants, head over to McCovey Chronicles. For the Cubs side of things, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue.
