Cincinnati @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 29, 2012 ) Cincinnati 5, San Francisco 1

The Reds snapped the Giants’ streak of four consecutive shutout wins on Friday with the type of game that offers their fans hope for the postseason. Starting pitcher Mike Leake threw his first career complete game, Jay Bruce delivered a clutch two-run double, and the Reds’ defense came up with several key plays. Second baseman Brandon Phillips also returned to the lineup and went 1-for-5 after missing one game with a mild concussion.

The Giants remained one game ahead of struggling Los Angeles in the NL West despite the loss, which featured an uncharacteristically rough outing by their starting pitcher. Matt Cain lost for the first time in his last 11 starts after allowing five runs over 6 2/3 innings, including a home run to Zack Cozart on the first pitch of the game. After making 50 errors in their first 48 games, the Giants have committed just four in their last 16 contests.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSO (Cincinnati), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Mat Latos (6-2, 4.77 ERA) vs. Giants LH Barry Zito (6-5, 4.00)

Latos clearly enjoys pitching at AT&T Park, where he has a 1.85 ERA in five career starts. He’s coming off his first complete game of the season during last Monday’s game against the Brewers, when he allowed one run with a career-high 13 strikeouts and two walks.

Zito rebounded from three rocky starts to work seven scoreless innings last Monday against the Dodgers for his first win since June 3. Zito is 3-4 with a 6.79 ERA in 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Cincinnati. He’s 4-2 with a 3.28 ERA in eight starts at home this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 1B Joey Votto leads the National League All-Star voting with 4,475,180 votes. The teams will be announced on Sunday.

2. The Giants purchased the contract of Brad Penny from Triple-A Fresno and placed reliever Shane Loux on the disabled list. Penny will be used in long to middle relief.

3. The Reds have used 29 players this season, the fewest in the majors.