Giants Vs. Dodgers, Series Preview: Rivalry Renewed In The Battle For The NL West

With a 4.5 game division lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants are looking to extend their cushion this weekend as they host the Boys in Blue for a three game set at AT&T Park.

The Black and Orange swept the Dodgers in their last matchup down in L.A., though the Giants were swept by Los Angeles at home in their last meeting in the Bay. The Giants haven't won a series at home since their Aug. 10-12 series with Colorado.

Josh Beckett (1-1, 2.92) faces Tim Lincecum (8-14, 5.21) on Friday. Beckett is 1-1 since being traded to L.A. taking the win in his last start after 6.2 innings of one-run ball. As for Lincecum, he gave up just two runs in his 6.1 innings against the Cubs last Saturday. First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area, MLB Network and KNBR 680 AM.

Chris Capuano (11-10, 3.63) squares off against Matt Cain (13-5, 2.98) on Saturday. Capuano has been hit hard in his last three starts, tossing five innings of three-run ball in his last start, a no decision against Arizona. Cain gave up five runs in five innings in his last outing, a no decision against Chicago. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. PT with coverage on FOX and KNBR 680 AM.

Clayton Kershaw (12-8, 2.79) takes on Barry Zito (10-8, 4.51) in the finale on Sunday.Kershaw gave up just one run in seven innings of work in his last outing, taking a no decision. Zito also took a no decision in his last start, tossing five innings of four-run ball against the D-backs. First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m. PT with coverage on ESPN and KNBR 680 AM.

For more on the Giants, head over to McCovey Chronicles.