The Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants close out a four-game National League series Sunday afternoon at AT&T Park
Philadelphia extended its season-best win streak to nine games with a 2-1 victory over San Francisco Saturday in the Bay area. “We know how good the Giants can be but at the same time if we play the way we’re capable of playing, that works for us,” said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. The club continues to dominate the opposition during the day, posting a 28-11 record, which is the best mark in the National League. Today’s series finale will also serve as the 27th of 32 scheduled games against NL West competition, which has led to an 18-7 mark.
Phillies starting pitcher Roy Oswalt is 4-6 with a 3.79 ERA in 13 starts this season and is scheduled to make his first appearance since landing on the disabled list with back problems on June 24. The right-hander suffered through a difficult June, posting a 1-4 mark and 5.81 ERA in five starts, as opponents hit .305 against him. Oswalt has enjoyed much more success during the day than at night, posting an ERA of 2.61 and 4.69 respectively. In 17 career starts versus the Giants, the veteran has a losing 6-8 record and 3.61 ERA, including a 3-6 mark and 4.18 ERA in 10 outings at AT&T Park.
San Francisco is going in the opposite direction of today’s opponent, dropping eight of its last nine games and 11 of 16. Before Saturday’s contest, the pitching staff had posted a 5.15 ERA over an eight-game stretch. “When you get in something like this, whether it’s winning or losing, you never think you’re going to come out of it,” said Giants manager Bruce Bochy. The Giants have been held hitless in 17 at-bats with runners in scoring position, managing to scratch just three runs across the plate. Offensively, the club is last in runs per game in the majors since the All-Star break. San Francisco is 17-22 in day games this year.
Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum is 9-9 with a 2.77 ERA in 23 starts this season and has alternated wins and losses over his last four outings. He is coming off a disappointing 6-1 home loss to the Diamondbacks, giving up two runs and three hits over seven frames. The right-hander has a surprising 3-5 mark at home despite having a respectable 3.36 ERA, as opponents are hitting just .212 against him. Lincecum has garnered a 3-1 record and 2.82 ERA in his first eight career starts versus the Phillies, which includes a 4-1 road victory two starts back.
At the time of this writing, San Francisco is currently a -126 favorite and the total stands at 6.5 Over (-115).