Game 1: Tim Lincecum, RHP (4-0, 1.27) vs. Anibal Sanchez, RHP (1-2, 4.32)
Giants: In his last start, Lincecum was three outs away from becoming the first Giants pitcher to win not only his first five starts of the season, but also five games in April, since John Burkett in 1993. A complete game also appeared within reach for Lincecum, who had surrendered three hits, struck out 11 and thrown 98 pitches entering the ninth. But after walking Shane Victorino on four pitches with one out, Giants manager Bruce Bochy pulled Lincecum in favor of closer Brian Wilson. Wilson blew the save, the Giants lost and Lincecum remained 4-0 with a 1.27 ERA.
Marlins: Why Sanchez has made progress in his last two starts is pretty basic. The right-hander is throwing strikes more regularly. Even though he suffered a loss on April 27 to the Padres, Sanchez was effective over 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs (two earned). Of his 101 pitches, 65 were strikes, as he struck out seven and walked two. In his previous outing -- April 22 at Houston -- Sanchez threw 89 pitches with 65 strikes in a win. He has walked two in his last 13 innings.
Barry Zito, LHP (4-0, 1.53) vs. Nate Robertson, LHP (2-2, 5.18)
Giants: Zito is 4-0 for the first time in his career. He was 0-7 over his last two Aprils. He's posted five consecutive quality starts. In his last one, he allowed two runs over eight innings. The four consecutive wins is his longest such streak since winning six straight from May 17, 2006, to June 16, 2006, with the Oakland A's.
Marlins: After going on short rest in his previous start, Robertson will be well-rested for his sixth start of the season. Due to two scheduled team days off, the left-hander will be taking the mound exactly one week after his last outing. On April 28 against the Padres, Robertson was going on three days' rest. For four innings, it wasn't a factor, as he allowed just one hit in that span. But everything changed in the fifth. Robertson faced six batters in the inning, and all reached. He was charged with five runs, all in the inning. He threw 79 pitches and lost his second straight decision.
Matt Cain, RHP (1-1, 2.84) vs. Ricky Nolasco, RHP (2-1, 4.01)
Giants: Cain fanned eight and allowed only one hit and three walks in eight shutout innings against the Rockies. It was his first win, and it also lowered his ERA from 3.80 to 2.84. He hadn't struck out eight since Sept. 27 last year, and against Colorado they were mostly on his fastball, which was spot-on. It was the third time in his career he's allowed one hit and no earned runs.
Marlins: Mechanically and physically, Nolasco wasn't himself in his last start. The right-hander admitted it was one of those days where he didn't feel quite right. That happens over the course of a season. Nolasco worked four innings, giving up five runs while striking out seven in a loss to the Nationals. It was Nolasco's shortest stint since working 3 1/3 innings on Aug. 12, 2009 against Houston. Lifetime, he is 1-1 with a 1.13 ERA against San Francisco.
Todd Wellemeyer wrote:Hey guys remember when Zito sucked and you wished he was skipped, and then he stopped sucking and there was a open spot for a guy who sucks to suck?
Hey.
