San Francisco @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 29, 2011 ) San Francisco 1, Chi. Cubs 2

THE STORY: The San Francisco Giants, who will try to start another win streak Thursday in the finale of a four-game series against the host Chicago Cubs, have to like their chances. Righthander Matt Cain has been brilliant in June, going 4-0 with a 1.96 ERA as San Francisco strings together one outstanding start after another. Despite Wednesday’s 2-1 loss, which snapped a seven-game win streak, the Giants reached the halfway point at 46-35 and first in the National League West. In their world championship season last year, the Giants were 41-40 and 7½ games out at the midway point.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Carlos Zambrano (6-4, 4.38 ERA) vs. Giants RH Matt Cain (7-4, 3.22). Zambrano has enjoyed facing the Giants in 10 career starts, going 5-1 with a 2.58 ERA, and current Giants are hitting .206 against him. He is coming off two solid outings but has lost five of his last six decisions. Cain has dominated the Cubs in 10 career starts, holding them to a .178 average, winning five of seven decisions and posting a 2.38 ERA. In his most recent outings against Cleveland and Oakland, he allowed one earned run and seven hits over 14 innings while striking out 11 and walking one.

ABOUT THE CUBS (33-48): General manager Jim Hendry says the Cubs will not have a “fire sale” before the trade deadline just because they are 15 games below .500. He noted the team is 8-24 in starts made by the fourth and fifth starters, after Chicago lost Andrew Cashner and Randy Wells early in the season. The Cubs are feeling good after Wednesday’s walk-off win, though closer Carlos Marmol blew his fifth save in 21 chances.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (46-35): It has been a while since a starter got hit hard. Starters went 6-0 with a 2.01 ERA during the seven-game win streak, and Tim Lincecum gave up one run on seven innings Wednesday while fanning nine. The Giants are in first despite producing the fourth-fewest runs in the majors. San Francisco is 11 games over .500 at home, but .500 on the road.

FINAL PITCH: Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd, who suffered facial fractures when hit by a pitch May 21, is progressing well in his Triple A rehab stint and could be activated soon. He hit a three-run homer Tuesday. ... The Cubs are trying for a split of this four-game series before hosting the cross-town rival White Sox over the weekend.