Thursday, October 7, 2010

National League Division Series Game Two Preview

Game Two, Friday October 8, Tommy Hanson vs. Matt Cain....

Tommy Hanson has been on a roll in September/October, posting a 1.83 ERA. He's generally a strikeout pitcher -- a 7.68 K/9 this year -- and he's got excellent control -- a 2.49 BB/9 on the year. Overall, he's been one of the best starters in the National League, putting up a 3.33 ERA and recording 173 strikeouts. He's had success against the Giants this year, also:  he went seven innings, allowing only three hits and one earned run in his lone start against them this year. He does have one eminent weakness, however: holding runners. He allowed 33 stolen bases in 37 attempts this year -- the most by any National League starter.

Matt Cain has been the Giants' most consistent starter this year. He has not had any disaster months this year -- his worst month coming in April when he posted a 3.80 ERA, and he's accumulated 25 quality starts -- tied for the most in the National League this year. He did not end the year on a good note, allowing three home runs and six earned runs in four innings pitched against the Padres on October 1, but he's kept the Giants in ballgames on a consistent basis. He allowed three earned runs in five innings in his one start against the Braves this year. 

Expectations:
  • Low-scoring game
  • Aggressive baserunning by the Giants
  • A home run. Tommy Hanson allows a lot more flyballs than Derek Lowe
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Slightly off-topic...

The Giants have five players who have won the World Series:
Edgar Renteria has notched the most playoff games of any Giant prior to this year, with 55 in his career; he's followed by Pat Burrell, who's played in 17. 

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Needless to say, this is the biggest start of Matt Cain's career. Roy Halladay had an impressive debut, tossing the second playoff no-hitter in history. Tim Lincecum didn't cease to impress either, pitching a two-hit shutout and striking out 14. Now it's Matt Cain's turn...


Bring that game-face...