A lot has changed for the San Francisco Giants in the past 48 hours. From losing their lead in the NL West to the Los Angeles Dodgers to losing two of three games against the NL East-leading Washington Nationals, matters got worse for the team prior to the start of Wednesday's game. With outfielder Melky Cabrera suspended for the rest of the regular season after testing positive for testosterone, the Giants' playoff push has become increasingly difficult.
After learning of Cabrera's suspension and removing him from Wednesday's lineup less than 90 minutes prior to the start of the game, the Giants have had an off day to move adjust without their All-Star. With more pressure on the likes of Buster Posey, Hunter Pence, and the pitching staff, the Giants will need everyone to produce in order to make up for Cabrera's production.
Starting their series on the road against the San Diego Padres will be Matt Cain, a team he has lost to more than any other in the majors. With a 6-11 record in 29 career starts against the Padres, he has a 2.40 ERA in his last seven games in San Diego. With the team's complexion changing and season outlook undetermined, the Giants are just a couple days away from playing the Dodgers in a series that could change the tide of the division. Winning games in San Diego first will give the team a much needed before heading to Los Angeles.
Matchup:
The San Francisco Giants will visit the San Diego Padres at Petco Park located in San Diego, CA on Friday, August 17, 2012 at 7:05 p.m. PT. This will be the first game in a three-game series.
Season series:
Giants lead series 6-3.
Standings:
San Francisco comes into the matchup with a 64-54 record and in second place in the National League West. They are 29-28 when playing on the road and have won five of their last 10 games.
San Diego enters the game with a 52-68 record and in fourth place in the National League West. They are 27-30 when playing at home and have won six of their last 10 games.
Starting pitcher matchup:
San Francisco: Matt Cain
2012 season: 11-5, 2.99 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 148 Ks
Numbers vs. Padres in last five years: 2-11, 3.81 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 132 Ks
San Diego: Ross Ohlendorf
2012 season: 4-3, 6.41 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, 37 Ks
Numbers vs. Giants in last five years: 0-0, 4.50 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, 2 Ks
Where to watch and listen to the game:
The game can be watched live locally at the following:
In San Francisco: CSN-BA HD & KNBR 680
In San Diego: FSSD, FSSD-SL, & XPRS 1090
Batting statistic leaders:
San Francisco: Buster Posey - .330 batting average; Buster Posey - 19 home runs; Buster Posey - 76 RBIs
San Diego: Yonder Alonso - .273 batting average; Chase Headley - 19 home runs, Chase Headley - 73 RBIs
Sources:
Cain to lead Melky-less Giants into San Diego, MLB.com
More from this contributor:
Stephen Strasburg vs. Tim Lincecum Dream Matchup Concludes Nationals-Giants Series: Fan's Preview
Giants Start Series Against Best Second-Half Team in Baseball in Nationals: Fan's Preview
Fan's Preview: Have the San Francisco Giants Turned Around Their Offensive Struggles at Home?
Austin Chang is a lifelong San Francisco Bay Area native, baseball fan, and supporter of the San Francisco Giants. Follow this Featured Contributor on Google+ and Twitter @_austinchang.
