Cain Looks to Win Rubber Match of The Series: Preview, Notes, Lineup

Matt Cain will take the ball for the Giants in hopes of earning a series victory against the Cubs and ultimately capping off a very successful road trip. A win today is needed, however, considering that the Astros and Cubs are two of the National League’s worst ball clubs.

Cain earned a no-decision is his last start on the first game of the road trip. He pitched 7.1 innings, but coughed up a run in the eighth inning on a wild pitch to vanquish his chances of a win. The Giants did, however, comeback to win, 3-2.

Back on June 2nd, Cain pitched eight innings of one-run ball against Chicago, with the lone blemish being a solo home run off the bat of David DeJesus.

Cain will be opposed by southpaw Travis Wood. Wood sports a 4-11 record this season, along with a 4.71 ERA. Despite pitching seven innings of two-run ball in his last start against the Brewers, he picked up the loss.

Wood faced the Giants during that same four-game series that Cain pitched in. He was stellar as well, yielding the Giants to just one run over seven strong innings. Ironically, bad luck factored into the decision again, as he got the loss due to a lack of run support.

--- The Giants are 5-1 against the Cubs this year.

--- If Matt Cain earns the win, he will tie his single-season record for most wins in a season with 14.

--- Pablo Sandoval has not hit a home run since July 8th (29 games).

Lineups:

Cubs

1. David DeJesus (L) RF
2. Luis Valbuena (L) 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano (R) LF
5. Starlin Castro (R) SS
6. Steve Clevenger (L) C
7. Brett Jackson (L) CF
8. Darwin Barney (R) 2B
Travis Wood (R) P

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. Xavier Nady (R) LF
8. Brett Pill (R) 1B
9. Matt Cain (R) P

Posted in: Chicago Cubs,Matt Cain,pablo sandoval,San Francisco Giants,Travis Wood