San Francisco @ Pittsburgh preview
PNC Park
Last Meeting ( Apr 15, 2012 ) Pittsburgh 4, San Francisco 1
The Pittsburgh Pirates are enjoying prosperity not seen since Barry Bonds was patrolling the outfield wearing a cap that was two sizes smaller. The Pirates completed a four-game sweep of the Houston Astros to boost their major league-best home record to 27-13 and open a two-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds atop the National League Central. Winners of eight of nine, the Pirates will host the San Francisco Giants, who are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of Washington.
One week after ringing up four consecutive shutouts, San Francisco's pitching staff was mauled for 24 runs by the Nationals. The Giants appeared on their way to salvaging the series finale after taking a four-run lead into the seventh inning Thursday, but they were unable to hold it and dropped 1 1/2 games behind the front-running Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Barry Zito (6-6, 3.84 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Erik Bedard (4-9, 4.57 ERA)
Zito has allowed only one run in his last two starts, but he labored through six innings last time out, walking six while giving up only one run in six innings of a 2-1 loss to Cincinnati. He faced Pittsburgh at home in April and received a no-decision after tossing seven innings and giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits).
Bedard is 0-3 in his last four starts, with all the losses coming on the road. He allowed five runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings at St. Louis last time out. He has been much better at home, pitching to a 2-2 record and 2.31 ERA in seven starts at PNC Park. Giants leading hitter Melky Cabrera is 2-for-19 lifetime against Bedard.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pittsburgh has its best record through 82 games (46-36) since the 1992 season.
2. The Giants have blown three-run leads in consecutive games after losing only once in their first 81 games when ahead by three runs.
3. Pirates C Rod Barajas (knee) missed his second straight game Thursday but is expected back in the lineup Friday or Saturday.