San Francisco @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2011 ) LA Dodgers 1, San Francisco 8

THE STORY: The San Francisco Giants are keeping their postseason hopes alive with a rejuvenated offense. San Francisco, which has scored 57 runs during its eight-game winning streak, had just 56 in its previous 19 games. The Giants entered Monday’s action four games behind Atlanta in the National League Wild Card standings and five back of Arizona in the National League West. They'll start a crucial three-game series Tuesday against the host Los Angeles Dodgers, who have won four of their past five games.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, CSNBA, KCAL

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Tim Lincecum (13-12, 2.59 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (19-5, 2.30 ERA)

Lincecum, who held the Padres to an unearned run over seven innings last Wednesday, is 0-2 with a 1.65 ERA in four starts against the Dodgers this season. The Giants are 22-10 in Lincecum’s last 32 road starts.

Kershaw has held the Giants to four runs over 34 2/3 innings in four wins this season, and he’s 5-1 with a 1.26 ERA in 11 career games – 10 starts - against San Francisco. Kershaw has already set career highs in strikeouts, wins and innings pitched.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (83-70): Brian Wilson (elbow) returns as the Giants’ closer Tuesday after pitching a scoreless inning Sunday in his first outing since landing on the disabled list nearly five weeks ago. Wilson is 6-4 with a 3.15 ERA and 35 saves, and he doesn’t appear concerned about re-injuring his elbow in the season’s final 10 games. “No baseball player should be worried about that. If it goes, it goes,” Wilson said. “You play hard till then, then get a new arm.” Jonathan Sanchez (ankle) could throw off the mound early this week and make a few relief appearances this week for the Giants. Cody Ross isn’t expected back until the weekend after straining his right hamstring last Friday. It’s unfortunate timing for Ross, who was peaking at the right time. He’s batting .309 with four homers and 10 RBIs in September.

ABOUT THE DODGERS (76-76): After struggling earlier this season with the Dodgers, rookie Jerry Sands looks a lot more comfortable this month. Sands has a seven-game hitting streak and is batting .390 (16-for-41) since being promoted from Triple-A Albuquerque on Sept. 6. Manager Don Mattingly doesn’t sound ready to appoint Sands as next season’s everyday left fielder, but the 23-year-old is making a strong case. While left field remains a question mark, there’s no uncertainty in center field. Matt Kemp started his 355th consecutive game Sunday, and he appears eager to extend the longest current streak in the majors as long as possible. Kemp is a top contender for the National League Most Valuable Player award along with Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and Justin Upton. Kemp is also in the running for the Triple Crown, but he'll need a stellar final nine games.

FINAL PITCH: Kershaw is looking to become the first Dodger pitcher to win 20 games since Ramon Martinez in 1990.