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Marlins-Giants Preview

Jul 7, 2009 - 6:34 AM By MIKE LIPKA STATS Writer

Florida (43-41) at San Francisco (45-37), 10:15 p.m. EDT

The San Francisco Giants are barely in contention in their own division, but they quietly hold a slim lead on a crowded NL wild card field.

Beating their fellow contenders might begin to earn them more attention.

The Giants will look to make it two in a row against the Florida Marlins as the surprising clubs continue their three-game series in San Francisco on Tuesday night.

With the Los Angeles Dodgers maintaining the best record in the majors, the Giants (45-37) are seven games back in the NL West, but they hold a two-game lead on Colorado and Milwaukee in the wild card race. The Marlins and Chicago Cubs are each three games back.

In addition to a 27-13 home record, San Francisco's major league-best 3.53 team ERA has been its biggest strength. The club got another strong start from All-Star Matt Cain in a 5-4 win in Monday's series opener.

The Giants' maligned offense, however, is finally catching up. Though still showing some inconsistency, they've averaged 6.0 runs in their last 10 games.

Third baseman Pablo Sandoval, a candidate for the NL's final All-Star spot in his first full season, hit his first career grand slam in the victory. He's hitting .387 with nine home runs and 24 RBIs in his last 25 games.

"He's definitely making his case, even though he shouldn't have to make his case," Giants closer Brian Wilson said. "Unfortunately, I couldn't vote a million times."

The Marlins are simply hoping to get their own young slugger back in the lineup. Hanley Ramirez, voted the NL's All-Star starter at shortstop, has missed the last two games with a hip flexor problem, and his return remains uncertain.

Florida (43-41) had won five of six coming into Monday's game, which started a seven-game road trip going into the All-Star break.

Right-hander Josh Johnson will try to help his team bounce back, but he may need better results than his last start - his shortest in more than two years. He allowed five hits and four walks, needing 89 pitches to get through 3 1-3 innings Wednesday against Washington.

"Somehow, I only gave up one run," Johnson said. "I don't like it, but I'll take it."

The effort wasn't indicative of the big right-hander's season. Johnson (7-1, 2.76 ERA) has turned in 14 quality starts in 17 outings, holding opponents to a .228 average.

Despite a 2.70 ERA in three starts, he's never beaten the Giants.

Barry Zito (4-8, 4.82) has never lost to the Marlins, going 3-0 in four career starts. He's won the last three meetings while posting a 0.98 ERA over that span.

The left-hander hasn't been as successful lately, going 1-2 with a 7.40 ERA in his last four starts. He allowed three runs in the first inning and didn't make it out of the fifth in a 5-2 loss Thursday at St. Louis.

"It's frustrating because I love the team and I want to give my all for these guys," Zito told the Giants' official Web site.