Giants lost the series in early June but it was hard fought and hopefully it will be again. Of course with a better turnout. Giants have a tough stretch before the All Star Game playing three against the Mets then the Cubs. Giants sit just five games back so the Giants will have to take these series to stay within striking distance.
Game One- Tim Lincecum (10-1, 2.49 ERA) vs Mike Pelfrey (6-6, 4.23 ERA). Let's hope Lincecum continues his dominance of the NL. Lincecum has the best winning percentage and most strikeouts. Lincecum struck out eight while giving up three runs in six innings his last performance. Pelfrey too had a good showing his last time out going seven strong striking out six and giving up just one run. Hopefully the Giants can pounce on him early and hit with runners in scoring position. Let's hope guys like Rowand, Durham and Bowker continue to have a good month.
Game Two- Jonathan Sanchez (8-4, 3.87 ERA) vs Johan Santana (7-7, 2.96 ERA). This should be the game to watch here. Two power lefties battling it out. Both men have 109 K's with Sanchez having more walks. Sanchez went seven innings and gave up just two runs while striking out eight in the first series this season. He also won that game and owns a 2.08 lifetime ERA against the Mets.
Game Three- Barry Zito (4-12, 5.73 ERA) vs John Maine (8-6, 3.91 ERA). Zito is coming off his best start as a Giant going seven innings and striking out ten. He also gave up just two runs and looked like the Zito of old. We can only hope there is more of the same to come. Zito was crushed earlier this season by the Mets going just four and a third giving up five earned and walking five. We cannot afford to have that again.
The Giants need to start Burriss more at third as Vizquel has shown zero signs of turning things around. They also have to find somewhere for Castillo to hit when he plays. He cannot hit with RISP. Aurilia needs to be playing more anyway. I see the Giants getting the series win.