Giants Look to Avoid Sweep Against Padres

The Giants are amid a four-game losing streak that began Tuesday against the Diamondbacks and has continued through the weekend.

The Giants compiled an early 5-0 lead on Saturday night, but the Padres came back against Barry Zito and a wobbly defense to win 8-7 in extra innings.

Apr 27, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) jogs back to the dugout after a three-run home run during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Vogelsong, who’s looking to notch his career win-loss record to .500 for the first time in his career, will take the ball on Sunday afternoon. He went 3-1 with a 2.05 ERA against the Padres last year, albeit he owns a career 5.41 ERA in 14 games (six starts).

In his previous outing, Vogelsong pitched seven innings, allowed four runs and issued four walks against Arizona. He yielded a first inning two-run single to Cody Ross, but settled down in the ensuing innings.

Vogelsong has a 5.68 ERA this year, but that number is deceiving because it’s generally the first inning or third inning that’s inflated his overall ERA. He has a 6.75 first inning ERA and a 11.25 third inning ERA. After he gets hit around, he settles in and reverts to his consistent self. Avoiding a wobbly first inning isn’t a surefire indication that Vogelsong will pitch well, but it’s certainly not a factor to ignore.

Jason Marquis, who was touched up for seven runs on Monday against the Brewers, will oppose Vogelsong. Marquis walked four and struck out four in his worst start of the year. In his previous three starts, he compiled a 2.41 ERA. So, he’s had his bright spots, and has arguably been San Diego’s best pitcher.

Marquis has had a fairly large amount of success against San Francisco in his 12-year career. In 15 career games (14 starts), he’s 6-5 with a 2.94 ERA, and has walked only 22 batters in 101 innings.

The key for Marquis is to throw his sinker for strikes. It’s not a pitch that’s going to muster swings and misses, but it’s key for him because his fastball is more than hittable.

Notes:

• Buster Posey has hit safely in eight straight games. During that span, he’s hitting .423 with five extra-base hits and seven RBI
• The Giants have lost five straight road games. They will continue their road trip in Arizona on Monday.
• The Giants have made six errors in their past four games.
• Three of San Francisco’s last four games have gone into extra innings
• Pablo Sandoval, Hunter Pence and Posey all have at least one career home run against Marquis