Chicago @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 30, 2011 ) Chi. Cubs 5, San Francisco 2

THE STORY: The Chicago Cubs aren’t going to the playoffs, but they can still enjoy their role as the spoiler. The Cubs aim for a three-game sweep of the host San Francisco Giants on Wednesday after winning the first two games by a 12-2 margin. The Giants have scored 12 runs in their last seven games, and they’re a season-high six games behind the Arizona in the National League West.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, CSN, CSNBA

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Rodrigo Lopez (4-5, 4.80 ERA) at Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (8-12, 3.59 ERA)

Lopez lost his second straight start when he gave up four runs – two earned – over six innings against the Brewers last Friday. He is 0-4 with a 6.31 ERA in seven career starts against the Giants. The Cubs are 1-5 in his last six starts against a team with a winning record. Bumgarner has pitched into at least the seventh inning in five consecutive starts. The Giants have won eight of his last 12 starts after losing 11 of his first 15. Bumgarner is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA in three career starts against the Cubs.

ABOUT THE CUBS (59-77): It took awhile, but the Cubs are finally hitting for power. Alfonso Soriano homered for the second straight game on Tuesday, giving the Cubs a National League-leading 39 home runs in August. Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Pena and Soriano each have 24 home runs to lead the team. Soriano has 130 homers since joining the Cubs, and only six players have hit more in their first five seasons with the team. Pitchers Andrew Cashner, Chris Carpenter and Trey McNutt will join infielders Junior Lake and DJ LeMahieu and outfielder Brett Jackson in the Arizona Fall League, which begins on Oct. 4. Outfielder Tyler Colvin is getting another chance in the majors, but he lost one of his biggest supporters when general manager Jim Hendry was fired last month. Colvin likely needs a solid final month to help his chances of sticking with the Cubs next spring.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (71-65): Just two months ago, there was an electric atmosphere at AT&T Park as Giants’ fans supported the defending World Series champions. The fans are still coming – the Giants have sold out all 68 home games this season – but they were clearly frustrated on Tuesday. Carlos Beltran drew the loudest boos when he ended a potential rally in the seventh innings by grounding into a fielder’s choice. Beltran, who has four RBIs in 19 games since joining the Giants, went 0-for-4 and left six runners on base on Tuesday. Closer Brian Wilson (elbow) is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, but he’s not expected back for several more days. Pat Burrell (foot) took batting practice in AT&T Park again on Tuesday, and he could be activated off the 15-day disabled list Friday. Burrell is expected to serve primarily as a pinch hitter, but he could receive more playing time if he’s productive.

FINAL PITCH: The Giants have scored 74 runs this month, which is their lowest monthly total since they scored 77 in April 2009.