Arizona @ San Francisco preview
Oracle Park
Last Meeting ( Sep 3, 2011 ) Arizona 7, San Francisco 2
THE STORY: The San Francisco Giants became Ian Kennedy's latest victim as the Arizona Diamondbacks ace outdueled Tim Lincecum in a 7-2 victory on Saturday. Kennedy, who won for the 10th time in 11 starts, became the National League's first 18-game winner. More importantly, he helped Arizona increase its lead in the NL West over San Francisco to six games. The Giants go for the series win Sunday at AT&T Park, where they are 0-4-2 in series since taking two of three against the Milwaukee Brewers from July 22-24.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN (Arizona), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Daniel Hudson (14-9, 3.61 ERA) vs. Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (10-5, 2.63 ERA).
Hudson posted his third win in four starts Monday as he allowed three hits over seven scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies. The 24-year-old has worked at least six innings in eight of his last nine starts and allowed two earned runs or less five times in that span. Hudson lost his first two meetings with San Francisco this season before limiting the Giants to one run over eight innings in a win at AT&T Park on Aug. 2.
Vogelsong's personal losing streak reached three games on Tuesday as he surrendered three runs in five innings against the Chicago Cubs. He also is 0-3 at home since defeating Arizona on Aug. 3, when he gave up ine run in six frames. Vogelsong has allowed three earned runs or less in 20 of his last 21 starts.
ABOUT THE GIANTS (73-66): Just back from a stint on the disabled list, Pat Burrell made his second straight start in left field on Saturday but exited the game after three innings with a sore foot. After going 0-for-11 in his previous three games, Carlos Beltran is 7-for-7 with a walk in the first two contests of the series against Arizona. Lefthander Jonathan Sanchez threw off a mound Saturday to test out his sprained left ankle. While stating the ankle was feeling better, Sanchez said it was 60-65 percent.
ABOUT THE DIAMONDBACKS (79-60): Miguel Montero singled in the ninth inning to extend his career-best hitting streak to 12 games. Montero is hitting .370 (17-for-46) during the run. Chris Young needs one home run and one stolen base to become the second member of the Diamondbacks to join the 20-20 club this season. Justin Upton gained membership when he recorded his 20th steal on Aug. 29 against Colorado. Young will become the first player in franchise history to record 20 homers and 20 steals in the season three times.
FINAL PITCH: Lincecum recorded seven strikeouts Saturday, giving him 200 for the fourth straight season. The two-time Cy Young Award winner joined Juan Marichal and Amos Rusie as the only pitchers in franchise history to accomplish the feat.