In a close 3-2 victory, the San Francisco Giants got a go-ahead RBI single from pinch-hitter Hector Sanchez in the ninth inning for the come from behind win over the Houston Astros. With the Los Angeles Dodgers losing their third straight game, the Giants now have a 3 1/2 game lead in the NL West. For Wednesday's contest, Barry Zito, who has a 10.00 ERA in his last two starts against the Astros, will face Dallas Keuchel, a rookie who will face the Giants for the first time in his career.
Wednesday could also be the first time recently returning reliever Guillermo Mota sees action for the Giants. Activated from the restricted list Tuesday, Mota last pitched on May 5 against the Milwaukee Brewers and had a short minor league assignment prior to his major league return. With Zito having four of his last six starts lasting less than six innings, Mota could very well see his first action in nearly four months as the team's long reliever.
Taking Jeremy Affeldt's (who is on maternity leave) place on the roster, Mota's return will hopefully give the Giants some much needed bullpen depth. Posting a 5.91 bullpen ERA in the last 13 games, his veteran experience as a middle reliever could give the team a little more stability in a struggling aspect of the team. While his return does bring back talks about the MLB joint drug policy and Melky Cabrera's recent suspension, Mota's contributions could be crucial during this playoff run.
Matchup:
The San Francisco Giants will visit the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park located in Houston, TX on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 5:05 p.m. PT. This will be the second game in a three-game series.
Season series:
Giants lead season series 6-1.
Standings:
San Francisco comes into the matchup with a 72-57 record and in first place in the National League West. They are 35-29 when playing on the road and have won seven of their last 10 games.
Houston enters the game with a 40-89 record and in sixth place in the National League Central. They are 27-36 when playing at home and have won one of their last 10 games.
Starting pitcher matchup:
San Francisco: Barry Zito
2012 season: 10-8, 4.31 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 84 Ks
Career numbers vs. Astros: 3-3, 5.09 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 26 Ks
Houston: Dallas Keuchel
2012 season: 1-6, 5.40 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 27 Ks
Career numbers vs. Giants: No statistics
Where to watch and listen to the game:
The game can be watched and heard live locally at the following:
In San Francisco: CSN-BA HD & KNBR 680
In Houston: FS-H, KTRH 740, & KLAT 1010
Pitching statistic leaders:
San Francisco: Madison Bumgarner - 14 wins; Sergio Romo - 2.01 ERA; Madison Bumgarner - 165 strikeouts.
Houston: Lucas Harrell - 10 wins; Wilton Lopez - 2.45 ERA; Bud Norris - 137 strikeouts.
Sources:
On a roll, Giants look to handle scuffling Astros, MLB.com
Barry Zito Game Log, Yahoo! Sports
Mota gets another chance with Giants, The Sports Xchange
More from this contributor:
Giants' Matt Cain Looks for First Career Win at Minute Maid Park: Fan's Preview
Tim Lincecum and Tim Hudson Faceoff on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball: Fan's Preview
Madison Bumgarner Goes for Giants' Season-High Winning Streak Once Again: Fan's Preview
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.
