San Francisco @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Oct 23, 2010 ) San Francisco 3, Philadelphia 2
THE STORY: Last October, the San Francisco Giants prevented the Philadelphia Phillies from reaching the World Series for the third consecutive year. The six-game setback in the National League Championship Series left a sour taste in the mouths of those who reside in the City of Brotherly Love. The Phillies will have a chance to exact a measure of revenge on Tuesday when they open a three-game set against Tim Lincecum and the Giants.
TV: 7:05 p.m., CSBA (San Francisco), WPHL (Philadelphia)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Tim Lincecum (8-8, 2.90 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Vance Worley (6-1, 2.02 ERA)
Lincecum has yielded just three runs in his last three starts - although he was saddled with the loss in his last outing. The two-time National League Cy Young Award winner allowed one run on five hits and struck out seven in seven innings on Wednesday, but dropped a 1-0 decision to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lincecum has posted a 2-1 mark in his career against Philadelphia.
With four straight victories, Worley is making his presence felt in the City of Brotherly Love. The 23-year-old rookie has allowed just four runs in his last six starts. Worley yielded one run on four hits over eight stellar innings in a 9-1 triumph over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. Worley is 3-0 at Citizens Bank Park this season.
ABOUT THE GIANTS (59-43): San Francisco is well-versed in winning close games this season. The Giants improved to 27-13 in one-run contests when they posted a 2-1 triumph over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. The victory was San Francisco's ninth in 12 outings and enabled the Giants to build a comfortable lead in the National League West. Right-handed reliever Sergio Romo has allowed no runs and just one hit over his last 12 appearances. Cody Ross, who torched the Phillies to be named MVP on the NLCS last year, has just one hit in his last five games.
ABOUT THE PHILLIES (64-37): Philadelphia was unable to complete a four-game sweep when it dropped a 5-4 decision to the San Diego Padres on Monday afternoon. Brad Lidge made his season debut after being sidelined with a partially torn rotator cuff. He worked a scoreless inning and received a standing ovation after leaving the mound. All-Star third baseman Placido Polanco plans to play in a pair of rehab games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Polanco, who is plagued by a balky back, is eyeing a return to the lineup by Saturday. Shane Victorino went 3-for-4 on Monday to extend his modest hitting streak to four games, but he is just 4-for-21 in his career against Lincecum. Ryan Howard has fared well versus Lincecum, however. The slugger is 6-for-19 with three homers against the talented hurler.
FINAL PITCH: "I don’t walk around saying I want revenge on these guys. Revenge would be bringing the trophy back to Philly." - Victorino, on playing the Giants.