Giants right-hander Matt Morris is a different pitcher facing the Phillies Friday night at AT&T Park than when he opposed them back on May 7 in Philadelphia.
Morris was in the midst of a worrisome four-game losing streak, and gave up seven runs over only five innings in a 9-5 defeat. He ended up 1-5 with a 5.54 ERA in May.
But the 31-year-old veteran would find his groove, reeling off four consecutive victories and sporting a 3-1, 2.19 June, then opening July with another win. He had a rough last outing, however, giving up 10 hits over six frames.
"The pitching," said a self-flagellating Morris, "was just unacceptable."
Morris is 2-3 with a 3.78 lifetime ERA vs. the Phillies over nine outings.
Pitching matchup
SF: RHP Matt Morris (7-7, 4.29)
Morris didn't get a decision in his last outing, a 9-7 loss to the Dodgers on July 7. He allowed 10 hits over six innings and five earned runs, including three runs in the first inning.
PHI: RHP Jon Lieber (3-6, 5.47)
Lieber came back strong on July 7 against Pittsburgh after missing a month with a groin injury, but he took a 3-2 loss despite giving up only two earned runs over seven innings.
Player to watch
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