I'm not thrilled about that or the one game and out format,but it is what it is as they say and here is a look at the matchup.
The Pirates held the edge in the season winning the series 4 games to 2.
The Pirates will send righthander Edinson Volquez (13-7 3.04 ERA) as the latest in the Pirates reclamation projects to the mound against the Giants and their ace lefty tosser Madison Bumgarner (18-10 2.98 ERA) .
On the surface,this is a huge edge for the Giants,although Volquez has always had a quality arm,his consistency always was a question.
Bumgarner has developed into quite a top of the rotation starter and his slider ranks with the best in the game.
At the age of 25,Bumgarner has pitched in plenty of big games and won't be shaken by the environment,so the Giants have the edge there.
The bullpens are pretty equal from closers Mark Melancon for Pittsburgh to San Francisco's Santiago Casilla to the long relievers.
The Pirates are the much better hitting team with bats all around the field,while the Giants pretty much revolve around Buster Posey,Pablo Sandoval and Hunter Pence.
If this was a five games series,I'd like the Pirates in four.
The better hitting team and the Giants weakened by injuries,Pittsburgh would be a heavy favorite.
However,this is one night and in a one night knockout round,I like the team with the better pitching and even though the staffs are close,no one has anyone like Madison Bumgarner.
I hate picking these games,but that's what I get paid for.
Giants 3-2.....
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