Reeling Giants Open 3 Game Series Against Marlins
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SAN FRANCISCO (CBSMiami) - When Barry Bonds makes his return to AT&T Park on Friday night, the San Francisco Giants may be wishing the slugger was still wearing their uniform as they prepare to host the Miami Marlins in the opener of a three-game series. The reeling Giants have dropped five in a row following a four-game sweep at home by Arizona.
San Francisco scored a total of three runs in the past three games, hardly the type of offensive numbers produced during the halcyon days of Bonds, now the hitting coach with the Marlins. Jeff Samardzija will finally get a chance to pitch in front of the home fans for the Giants, who have dropped eight of their last nine. Miami had been winless at home before splitting a four-game series against National East-leading Washington. Jarred Cosart will oppose Samardzija in the opener of a 10-game road trip for the Marlins.
PITCHING MATCHUP:
Marlins RH Jarred Cosart (0-0, 6.10 ERA)
Cosart has notched a pair of no-decisions despite two erratic performances, including an ugly effort last time out against Atlanta in which he allowed four of his five runs in the first inning and walked six in 5 2/3 innings. He was staked to an 8-0 lead against the New York Mets in his season debut but departed after 4 2/3 frames, giving up three runs and three walks. He lost his lone start to the Giants, allowing four runs in four innings.
Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (1-1, 3.72)
Samardzija saw his chance at a second straight victory disappear when he allowed a two-run homer in a 3-1 loss at the Los Angeles Dodgers, a game in which he was charged with three runs over six innings. The former Notre Dame product was magnificent in his previous turn, going eight strong innings and yielding two runs on six hits. Samardzija is 3-1 in 15 appearances (six starts) versus Miami but has been tormented by shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (6-for-9).
WALK-OFFS
1. Marlins OF Ichiro Suzuki needs one hit to tie Frank Robinson (2,943) for 32nd place on the all-time list.
2. The Giants are 3-for-35 with runners in scoring position during the five-game slide.
3. Marlins LF Christian Yelich has reached base in all 14 games.
PREDICTION: Giants 5, Marlins 3
By SportsDirect Inc.