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Giants hope to jump start offense vs. Brewers

Apr 4, 2008 - 11:59 AM San Francisco (1-2) at Milwaukee (2-1) 2:05 pm EDT

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) - The San Francisco Giants used the elements to collect their first win of the season. They may need similar luck if their offense continues to struggle.

The Giants continue their search for consistent offense on Friday when they travel to Miller Park to take on the Milwaukee Brewers, who will be playing their home opener.

San Francisco beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 2-1, on Wednesday, avoiding their first 0-3 start since 1984.

San Francisco, which elected to hold off on starting Tim Lincecum because of approaching inclement weather at game time, decided to bring him on in relief in the fourth inning.

Surprisingly, after a 74-minute rain delay, the Giants opted to stay with him.

However, the Giants managed to score just four runs in the three-game series, posting just one extra-base hit among their 17 hits this season.

Jonathan Sanchez, who went 1-5 with a 5.88 ERA in 33 appearances - including four starts last season - will be the latest San Francisco pitcher hoping the offense finds its rhythm when he takes the mound.

The 25-year-old lefthander, who is starting the season in the rotation in place of the injured Noah Lowry, will be making his just his ninth career start.

His opposition on the mound will be Carlos Villanueva, who has spent most of his two major league seasons in the bullpen.

He has made six starts in each of the last two seasons, but excelled when called upon to start in 2007, going 2-2 with a 2.06 ERA as a member of the rotation.