Los Angeles @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 20, 2011 ) LA Dodgers 1, San Francisco 0

THE STORY: Time is running out for the San Francisco Giants, who stand 7 1/2 games behind Arizona in the National League West heading into Friday’s series opener against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers. The Diamondbacks’ magic number is 12 with 18 games to go. Los Angeles has won 13 of its last 16 games, but the Dodgers are still 12 games in back of Arizona.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket, NBCBA

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (17-5, 2.45 ERA) at Giants RH Tim Lincecum (12-12, 2.75 ERA)

Kershaw struck out 10 without walking a batter and allowed three runs – two earned – over seven innings against the Braves last Sunday. He’s already set career highs in strikeouts, wins, and innings pitched. Kershaw is 4-1 with a 1.41 ERA in 10 career games – nine starts – against the Giants.

Lincecum suffered his career-high 12th loss last Saturday when he gave up five runs over five innings in a critical loss to Arizona. He is 5-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 13 career starts against the Dodgers. The Giants have given Lincecum a total of four runs of support in three starts against Los Angeles this season.

ABOUT THE DODGERS (70-72): Los Angeles has ruled Andre Ethier out for the season; he’ll visit Dr. James Andrews on Friday to get a second opinion on his right knee. Ethier, who hit .292 with 11 home runs and 62 RBIs, said he’s been playing through pain all season. Even if the knee requires surgery, he’s expected to recover well in advance of spring training. Ethier has just two homers since the All-Star break, and there’s a chance Los Angeles could look to trade him this winter. Right fielder Juan Rivera, who drove in four runs on Thursday, is expected to see more playing time down the stretch with Ethier out. Corner outfielders Tony Gwynn Jr. and Jerry Sands will also be used extensively this month. Infielder Juan Uribe is also done for the season after surgery for a sports hernia Wednesday.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (75-68): Rookie Brandon Belt will play winter ball in the Dominican Republic, and he may get plenty of time in left field. Belt is most comfortable at first base, but Aubrey Huff will likely return since he’s signed for $10 million next season. Brett Pill is making the most of his audition this month, but he could probably benefit from a trade since the Giants have a surplus of first basemen. Pill became the second player in team history on Wednesday to homer in his first two big-league games. Pill hit 25 home runs for Triple-A Fresno this season, but he’s no longer a prospect at 27 years old. Closer Brian Wilson (elbow) felt good after throwing a bullpen session Wednesday, and he could return as soon as next week. Ramon Ramirez and Santiago Casilla have been serving as the team’s closers in Wilson's absence.

FINAL PITCH: The Giants will honor this year’s Willie Mac Award winner before Friday’s game. Ryan Vogelsong and Pablo Sandoval are the leading candidates for the award, given to the Giant who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership shown by Hall of Famer Willie McCovey.