A rare non-divisional match-up on Sunday Night Baseball as the Giants host the Braves.
ACE NO MORE
Tim Lincecum has fallen on hard times this season. The righty is 7-13 with a 5.30 ERA and 151 strikeouts in 146 innings of work. The former Giants’ ace has not seen Atlanta since Aug. 18, 2011, when he lost 1-0 to the Braves on the road. Lincecum surrendered one run and five hits in seven innings, while striking out seven in that contest. "The Freak" is slowly turning the ship around after a slow start this campaign. Lincecum has allowed two runs or less five times over his last eight starts.
HUDSON'S HEROES
Tim Hudson is like a fine wine that gets better with age. Hudson is 12-4 with a 3.69 ERA in 134 innings of work, but is no longer is the strikeout pitcher he used to be as he only has 82 this season. He last faced the Giants back on Jul. 19, picking up the win at home. Hudson allowed two runs and eight hits in just over seven innings of work in that start. The right-hander has been rock solid as of late giving up two runs or less in five of his last ten starts. However, he has given up three runs or more in three consecutive road starts in Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington.
INJURY REPORT
The health of these two teams has been relatively good for the most part. The Giants are obviously dealing with the 50-game suspension of Melky Cabrera, who solidified the middle of their lineup. Joining him on the sidelines are pitchers Guillermo Mota and Brian Wilson, as well as hitters Aubrey Huff and Freddy Sanchez. The Braves’ problems come in the rotation, as they are without Jair Jurrjens and Brandon Beachy. Tommy Hanson isn't 100 percent as he continues to deal with a lower back strain.
TRENDS
Braves are 6-1 in Hudson’s last seven road starts
Braves are 6-2 Over in Hudson's last eight road starts vs. winning teams
Giants are 6-20 in Lincecum’s last 26 starts with four days of rest
Giants are 8-3-2 Under their last 13 Sunday games
HITTERS TO WATCH
Michael Bourn is 5-for-21 vs. Lincecum (.238)
Brian McCann is 9-for-27 vs. Lincecum (.333)
Angel Pagan is 11-for-31 vs. Hudson (.355)
Pablo Sandoval is 2-for-14 vs. Hudson (.143)