Pittsburgh @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 28, 2011 ) San Francisco 5, Pittsburgh 2

THE STORY: The wheels have completely fallen off the Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff drive, and they don’t get any breaks when they begin a three-game series against the National League West-leading San Francisco Giants on Monday. The Pirates have lost 10 straight after finishing the worst homestand (0-7) in their 125-year history on Sunday. San Francisco is 2-8 over its last 10 games after beating Philadelphia on Sunday.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, Root Sports; CSNBA

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Charlie Morton (8-6, 3.80 ERA) at Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (9-1, 2.19 ERA).

Morton tossed seven scoreless innings but received a no-decision against the Cubs last Wednesday. Morton, who is 2-4 with a 6.02 ERA in his last nine starts, is 1-3 with a 3.48 ERA in five career starts against the Giants.

Vogelsong, who leads the National League with a .900 winning percentage, is 6-0 with a 2.50 ERA in his last 12 starts. He faced the Pirates on April 28 and earned the win after giving up two runs while striking out eight over 5 2/3 innings.

ABOUT THE PIRATES (54-59): Wondering how things got so bad so fast for Pittsburgh? Start with the pitching. San Diego, hardly considered an offensive powerhouse, outscored the Pirates 35-10 during their three-game sweep over the weekend. Jeff Karstens, Paul Maholm and Kevin Correia were each rocked by the Padres, and the bullpen wasn’t much better. Even the new arrivals aren’t immune. Brad Lincoln gave up three runs in two innings on Sunday in his first appearance since being called up from Triple-A. Of course, it doesn’t help that the offense is struggling as well. Derrek Lee missed his fourth straight game on Sunday with lingering discomfort in his bruised left hand, but the team still believes he’ll be able to avoid the disabled list. Jose Tabata (quad) began his rehab assignment in Triple-A on Saturday, and he could rejoin the Pirates later this week.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (63-52): Carlos Beltran suffered a sprained right wrist Sunday, but X-rays were negative and he’s listed as day-to-day. The team is 3-8 since Beltran’s arrival, but he has looked more comfortable in his last five games. Aubrey Huff has struggled all season, but manager Bruce Bochy said he’ll continue to bat fifth in an effort to provide the Giants with a consistent lineup. Catcher Buster Posey (ankle) took his first steps without crutches Saturday, and he’s hoping to catch a few bullpens in a few weeks. Posey has already been ruled out for the season, but he’s optimistic that he’ll be ready to start next season. The Giants could be without a few players, including catcher Eli Whiteside and reliever Ramon Ramirez, when Major League Baseball hands down its punishment for last Friday’s benches-clearing brawl with the Phillies. An announcement is expected Monday.

FINAL PITCH: The Giants are 2-6 in their last eight games against teams from the National League Central.