Philadelphia @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 5, 2011 ) Philadelphia 9, San Francisco 2

THE STORY: Tempers figure to be at a boil Saturday when the Philadelphia Phillies and host San Francisco Giants continue their four-game series. The teams were involved in a benches-clearing brawl Friday after Shane Victorino was hit by Ramon Ramirez during the Phillies' 9-2 victory. Philadelphia has won 14 of its last 17 games, while the Giants have lost seven of their last eight.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Cole Hamels (12-6, 2.62 ERA) vs. Giants RH Matt Cain (9-7, 3.10 ERA).

Hamels earned a no-decision against the Rockies on Monday after giving up two earned runs on six hits, with five strikeouts and a walk. He is 6-1 in his last seven starts against teams from the National League West, but 2-9 in the last 11 Saturday outings. Cain, who allowed five runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings against the Diamondbacks on Monday, ranks seventh in the NL in innings (151). He is 1-3 with a 4.91 ERA in six career starts against the Phillies.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (62-51): The Giants' starting rotation is not usually a concern, but their lack of a dependable fifth starter could become a greater issue down the stretch. Jonathan Sanchez struggled Friday in his return from the disabled list, and Barry Zito allowed 19 runs in 15 2/3 innings over his last three starts. Zito was placed on the disabled list last week with a right foot sprain, and he'll begin a rehab assignment with Class-A San Jose on Sunday. If Sanchez puts together a few quality starts, Zito could find himself in the bullpen when he rejoins the Giants. Catcher, of course, has been a concern since Buster Posey's season-ending injury May 25. There's been speculation that San Francisco could still trade for the Reds' Ramon Hernandez, but the team appears content with the light-hitting tandem of Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart. Manager Bruce Bochy gave both a vote of confidence Friday.

ABOUT THE PHILLIES (73-39): Joe Blanton (elbow) will visit Dr. James Andrews on Monday, and nobody is expecting good news. While he might avoid Tommy John surgery, it's likely Blanton will need season-ending surgery. The news is slightly more optimistic for reliever Jose Contreras, who is on the disabled list with a strained right forearm. Contreras made 50 throws Friday, but there's no timetable for his return. When Roy Oswalt is activated for Sunday's start, the Phillies will need to remove a player from their 25-man roster. It almost certainly won't be John Mayberry Jr., who homered for the third time in the last four games Friday. Instead, look for Ben Francisco to be sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he can see regular playing time. Francisco has not started for the Phillies since July 22, while Mayberry now looks likely to make the team's playoff roster.

FINAL PITCH: The Giants are 21-8 in Cain's last 29 games against teams from the National League East.