Prior to facing the Arizona Diamondbacks for a three-game series at Chase Field, the San Francisco played three games against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Less than one week later, the two teams will face off again, this time for a four-game series and at AT&T Park. This first start will also feature a rematch from the September 11 matchup that resulted in a 9-8 win for the Giants.
In this game, both Madison Bumgarner and Jhoulys Chacin had short starts, but it was Bumgarner's bat that helped give the Giants a win. In the top of the fourth inning, Bumgarner helped his own cause with a big three-run shot into left field, scoring Gregor Blanco and Brandon Crawford. Great hitting aside, he is still 0-3 with a 7.29 ERA over his last four starts and needs a good outing to finally get out of his slump.
Even with a sizeable lead in the NL West over the Los Angeles Dodgers, this four-game series could serve as the final nail in the Dodgers' hope of winning the NL West pennant. With a series against the Washington Nationals, the team with the best record in the majors, the Dodgers will have a hard time winning their next few games, giving the Giants a chance to create a nearly-insurmountable lead. If the Giants want to make this happen, they'll need to take care of matters on their end and start by winning on Monday night with a solid outing by Bumgarner and the offense.
Matchup:
The San Francisco Giants will visit the Arizona Diamondbacks at AT&T Park located in San Francisco, CA on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 7:15 p.m. PT. This will be the first game in a four-game series.
Season series:
Giants lead series 10-4.
Standings:
Colorado comes into the matchup with a 58-87 record and in fifth place in the National League West. They are 27-44 when playing on the road and have won two of their last 10 games.
San Francisco enters the game with an 83-63 record and in first place in the National League West. They are 40-31 when playing at home and have won six of their last 10 games.
Starting pitcher matchup:
Colorado: Jhoulys Chacin
2012 season: 2-5, 4.86 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 35 Ks
Career numbers vs. Giants: 3-4, 3.78 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 32 Ks
Career numbers at AT&T Park: 2-1, 1.35 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 12 Ks
San Francisco: Madison Bumgarner
2012 season: 14-10, 3.32 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 175 Ks
Career numbers vs. Rockies: 4-3, 2.48 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 44 K
Career numbers at AT&T Park: 17-12, 3.11 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 231 Ks
Where to watch and listen to the game:
The game can be watched and heard live locally at the following:
In Colorado: ROOT SPORTS & KOA 850
In San Francisco: CSN-BA HD, KNBR 680 & KTRB 860
Batting statistic leaders:
Colorado: Carlos Gonzalez - .308 batting average, Wilin Rosario - 24 home runs, Carlos Gonzalez - 85 runs batted in
San Francisco: Buster Posey - .333 batting average, 22 home runs and 93 runs batted in
Sources:
Bumgarner, Chacin hope to improve in Round 2, MLB.com
San Francisco Giants/Colorado Rockies Box Score Tuesday September 11, 2012, Yahoo! Sports
More from this contributor:
Fan's Preview: Will Ryan Vogelsong Lead Giants to Sweep Over Diamondbacks?
Barry Zito Goes for Season-High Win Total as Member of Giants: Fan's Preview
Rookie Tyler Skaggs Faces San Francisco Giants for First Time: Fan's Preview
Fan's Preview: Will San Francisco Giants Continue Road Series Winning Streak?
Fan's Preview: Can Giants Slow Down Rockies' Jhoulys Chacin?
Austin Chang is a lifelong San Francisco Bay Area native, baseball fan, and supporter of the San Francisco Giants. Follow this Featured Contributor on Twitter @_austinchang.
