Cain Looks To Pad N.L West Lead Against Dodgers: What to Watch For, Lineups

The Giants bumped their lead in the National League West to 5.5 games last night after prevailing 5-3 behind Marco Scutaro’s two-run single. The Giants look to extend that hefty lead today with Matt Cain on the mound.

Cain surrendered five runs to the Cubs nearly a week ago. He will oppose Chris Capuano who allowed two big home runs to the Diamondbacks in a 5-4 loss in his last start.

Andre Ethier.... Adrian Gonzalez.....

Ethier comes into Saturday’s game with a .472 (25-53) batting average off Matt Cain. And the sample size isn’t tiny either. However, none of those 25 hits have resulted in home runs, and only three are extra base hits. Gonzalez, though, is hitting .321 (18-56) off Cain, with four home runs and 13 RBIs. Nine of his 18 hits off Cain are have been for extra bases.

Angel Pagan Is Hotter Than the Sun

OK, maybe I’m over-exaggerating, but the above statement isn’t far from the truth. The Giants’ center fielder is hitting .341 over the past 20 games. Not to mention that he has scored 22 runs, collected nine doubles, three triples, and one home run during that span as well. Pagan is 2-7 off Chris Capuano lifetime.

Cain Back Home

Cain should receive a warm welcoming when he trots out to the mound in the first inning considering that he hasn’t made a home start since August 11th. During his four road starts since the 11th, he posted a 2.96 ERA, and went 4-0. However, home should be a welcoming site for Cain, who boasts a stellar 2.24 ERA in his friendly confines. The Dodgers though, won’t be quite as welcoming. Despite finding success against them this season (14IP 2.57 ERA), his career stats aren’t as respectable (4-8, 3.45 ERA).

Beating Up The N.L West

In their last 16 games against N.L West foes, the Giants have won 12 of them. That trend should seemingly work in their favor, as their 24 remaining games are against N.L West teams.

Kemp Out

There’s not much to say here. Details of why Kemp is out of today’s lineup are unavailable, but my best guess is that his hamstring in tightening up again.

Lineups

Giants

1. Angel Pagan (S) CF
2. Marco Scutaro (R) 2B
3. Pablo Sandoval (S) 3B
4. Buster Posey (R) C
5. Hunter Pence (R) RF
6. Joaquin Arias (R) SS
7. Brandon Belt (L) 1B
8. Gregor Blanco (L) LF
9. Matt Cain (R) P

Dodgers

1. Mark Ellis (R) 2B
2. Shane Victorino (S) CF
3. Adrian Gonzalez (L) 1B
4. Hanley Ramirez (R) SS
5. Andre Ethier (L) RF
6. Luis Cruz (R) 3B
7. Juan Rivera (R) LF
8. A.J. Ellis (R) C
9. Chris Capuano (L) P

Posted in: angel pagan,Los Angeles Dodgers,Matt Cain,Matt Kemp,San Francisco Giants