Game Recap: The Chicago Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants 8-4 this afternoon in an exciting game that lasted 3 hours and 14 minutes. Jeff Samardzija went 7 strong innings for the Cubs and he finally picked up his first win of the season. His record is now 1-4, but he has been extremely unlucky this season as his ERA is a sparkling 1.68. Emilio Bonifacio (2-4, with a triple and a RBI), Anthony Rizzo (2-5 with double, RBI, and two runs scored), Luis Valbuena, Welington Castillo, and Nate Schierholtz (2-4 with a solo HR and 2 runs scored) were the stars offensively for the Cubs. As you can tell it was a team effort all around. Justin Grimm and Neil Ramirez shut the door on the Giants with strong 8th and 9th innings respectively.
Cubs win 8-4, and Jeff Samardzija picks up a well deserved first win of the season.
End 9th: Ramirez strikes out Hicks to end the game.
Former Cub Tyler Colvin on deck to pinch hit for the Giants.
Hicks is the last chance for the Giants as Cubs led 8-4.
Bottom 9th, 2 out: Ramirez gets Crawford to groundout to Rizzo at 1B.
Bottom 9th, 1 out: Ramirez with a 1-2 count to Crawford.
Bottom 9th, 1 out: Sanchez rips a ground ball that is handled by Rizzo for the out. Morse advances to 2B.
Closer Hector Rondon warming up for the Cubs just in case they need him.
Bottom 9th, 0 out: Ramirez walks Morse.
Bottom 9th, 0 out: 3-2 count now to Morse.
Bottom 9th, 0 out: Ramirez has Morse with an 0-2 count.
Middle 9th: Ramirez has a 0.84 ERA, and 18 strikeouts in 10.2 innings pitched.
Middle 9th: He features a mid to high 90s fastball and a great slider with incredible downward movement.
Middle 9th: Ramirez has been fantastic out of the pen for the Cubs this season.
Middle 9th: Morse, Sanchez, and Crawford due up for the Giants to face Ramirez.
Middle 9th: Valbuena grounds out weakly to 2B to end the inning. Ramirez coming in to pitch the 9th.
Top 9th, 2 out: Castro walks on 4 pitches.
3-0 count to Castro with Valbuena on deck.
Top 9th, 2 out: Ball gets away from Sanchez and Bonifacio advances to 3B.
Top 9th, 2 out: Hicks makes a nice play in short RT to steal a single from Rizzo. Bonifacio advances to 2B.
Electric RHP Neil Ramirez warming up in the bullpen for the Cubs. Looks like he will get the 9th.
Top 9th, 1 out: Lake flies out to Pagan in CF.
Top 9th, 0 out: Bonifacio reaches on a four pitch walk to start the inning.
Juan Gutierrez in to pitch for the Giants.
End 8th: Bonifacio, Lake, and Rizzo due up for the Cubs.
Nice inning of work by Grimm there. He has been impressive out of the bullpen for the Cubs this season, with a high 90s fastball, and a great breaking ball.
End 8th: Grimm strikes out Sandoval with a fastball looking. We head to the 9th with the Cubs leading 8-4.
Bottom 8th, 2 out: Another foul from Sandoval, still 3-2 count for Grimm.
Bottom 8th, 2 out: Sandoval fouls one away. 3-2.
Bottom 8th, 2 out: 3-1 count to Sandoval with Morse on deck.
Pagan moves up to 3B, with 2 outs, and Sandoval to the plate.
Bottom 8th, 2 out: Posey skies a pop up to short RF, Barney makes a nice catch on a tough ball to make the out.
Bottom 8th, 1 out: Runner on 2nd, Grimm versus Posey.
Pagan is safe. Call stands.
Very close play. I think they got it right and Pagan was safe, but this could go either way.
Cubs manager Rick Renteria out to argue. Renteria is going to challenge this play.
Bottom 8th, 1 out: Pagan steals 2nd on the first pitch to Posey.
Bottom 8th, 1 out: Grimm strikes out Pence swinging!
Bottom 8th, 0 out: 1-2 count from Grimm to Pence.
Was not his best outing, but Samardzija was sharp this afternoon and deserves this win.
7 IP, 6 hits, 4 runs (3 of which were earned), 10 strikeouts and no walks for Samardzija as he leaves the game. He will be responsible for Pagan at 1B, as Grimm enters the ball game with a 8-4 lead.
Bottom 8th, 0 out: Pagan rips a single to LF, and that will be all for Samardzija.
Bottom 8th, 0 out: Justin Grimm is warming up in the bullpen for the Cubs in case they need him. Samardzija starts Pagan 3-1.
Middle 8th: Samardzija will face the top of the order of Pagan, Pence, and Posey in the 8th. Have to imagine he will be on a short leash with 104 pitches thrown so far.
Middle 8th: Samardzija grounds out to 3B to end the inning.
Top 8th, 2 out: Barney grounds out to Hicks at 2B. Samardzija to the plate.
Well, I was wrong, Samardzija is in the on deck circle, and appears to be heading out there in the 8th.
Top 8th, 1 out: Schierholtz grounds out to 1st.
Top 8th, 0 out: Lefty Javier Lopez in to pitch for the Giants.
End 7th: Schierholtz, Barney, and Samardzija due up to face a new pitcher in the 8th. Samardzija will likely be repleaced by a pinch hitter.
That will likely be the end of Samardzija's day. He was great once again this afternoon, and will leave with an 8-4 lead.
End 7th: Samardzija strikes out Blanco to end the inning!
Season high 9 strikeouts for Samardzija in this one. Gregor Blanco in to pinch-hit for the pitcher.
Bottom 7th, 2 out: Samardzija strikes out Hicks.
Bottom 7th, 1 out: Samardzija reaches 100 pitches. Still 1-2.
Bottom 7th, 1 out: Samardzija with a 1-2 count to Hicks.
Bottom 7th, 1 out: Crawford hits an RBI single to RF, and the Cubs' lead is cut to 4 runs.
Bottom 7th, 1 out: Sanchez follows with pop up to Barney at 2B.
Bottom 7th, 0 out: Morse leads off the inning with a triple to RF.
Middle 7th: This is likely the last inning for Samardzija as he has already thrown 88 pitches.
Middle 7th: Morse, Sanchez, and Crawford due up for the Giants. They are a combined 0-6 this afternoon.
Middle 7th: Kontos gets Castillo to ground in to a double play to end the inning. Cubs lead 8-3 heading into the bottom of the 7th.
Top 7th, 1 out: George Kontos into pitch now.
Top 7th, 1 out: Giants defense has been horrible this inning. They are falling apart in this one.
Top 7th, 1 out: Groundball by Valbuena just gets through the infield. Ruled an error, could have gone either way. Rizzo scores to make it now an 8-3 Cubs lead. That will be all from Huff.
Top 7th, 1 out: Castro hits a chopper to Crawford at SS, and he misplays the ball. That one will go down as an error on the shortstop. Two errors in this innings by the Giants.
Top 7th, 1 out: Huff does not have his best stuff this afternoon, as the Cubs have had their way with him. 3-0 count now to Castro with Rizzo on 2B.
Top 7th, 1 out: Lake scores on a RBI double by Rizzo. Cubs now lead 7-3.
Top 7th, 1 out: Huff had Lake picked off, but he throws the ball away, and Lake advances to 3B. Infield in with the runner on 3rd.
Top 7th, 1 out: Lake drops a bloop single into LF right in between 3 Giants' defenders. Rizzo to the plate.
Top 7th, 1 out: Bonifacio strikes out swinging on a 1-2 pitch that was low.
Top 7th, 0 out: Bonifacio shows bunt on the first pitch from Huff, but takes it for a ball.
It is not a day about grilling out, and baseball, Memorial Day is about those who have given up or risked their lives for us to remain a costless country. Thank you all veterans and active military members for what you do for us, and never forget those who have fallen.
Moment of silence to honor those who have served with the US Military.
End 6th: Top of the order due up for the Cubs: Bonifacio, Lake, and Rizzo to face Huff.
End 6th: Samardzija now with 88 pitches thrown through 6 innings. Likely one more inning for the big RHP.
End 6th: Sandoval flies out to Bonifacio in CF to end the inning. Giants do nothing, and the Cubs still lead 6-3.
Bottom 6th, 2 out: 97 MPH fastball fouled away by Sandoval, 0-2.
Bottom 6th, 2 out: Castro bobbles the groundball, but picks it up and still gets Posey out in plenty of time. Sandoval to the plate.
Bottom 6th, 1 out: Castro throws out Pence on a chopper to the shortstop. One away.
Bottom 6th, 0 out: Samardzija with a 2-2 count to Pence.
Samardzija has done a much better job the past couple of innings at keeping his pitch count down. He has now thrown 76 pitches heading into the 6th.
Middle 6th: Pence, Posey, and Sandoval due up for the Giants to face Samardzija.
Middle 6th: Samardzija flies out to Pagan to end the inning. Cubs now lead 6-3.
Cubs offense coming alive for Samardzija in this one.
Top 6th, 2 out: Cubs are just teeing off on Huff now as Barney hits a RBI single to LF. 6-3.
Top 6th, 2 out: Schierholtz hits a single to left. Great at-bat there! Castillo ends up on 2B.
Top 6th, 2 out: Another foulball by Schierholtz. 3-2 count.
Top 6th, 2 out: Schierholtz fouls one away. Count 2-2.
Great two out hitting continues in this one for the Cubs.
Top 6th, 2 out: Castillo lines a single to LF that scores Rizzo! 5-3 Cubs lead.
Top 6th, 2 out: Valbuena swings at the first pitch and flies out to Morse in LF. Castillo up with 2 out and a runner on 2B.
Top 6th, 1 out: Castro grounds out to 3B, but Rizzo advanced to 2B.
Cubs with an opportunity to add to their lead right here. Important at-bat by Castro.
Top 6th, 0 out: Rizzo rips a single to right center right through the shift.
Lefty David Huff stays in the game to pitch the inning.
End 5th: Rizzo, Castro, and Valubena due up for the Cubs as they lead 4-3.
End 5th: Pagan rips one to deep right-center, but the ball was tracked down on the run by Schierholtz to end the inning.
Both teams have short benches to work with right now, and Bruce Bochy seems to be saving his pinch hitters for later.
Bottom 5th, 2 out: Samardzija gets Huff to strikeout on three pitches.
Bottom 5th, 1 out: Pitcher David Huff into pinch hit here. Interesting decision.
What a play by Castro deep in the hole at short to get Hicks, one out.
This is going to be an important inning for Samardzija as he finally has a lead to work with.
Middle 5th: Hicks, pitcher spot, and Pagan due up for the Giants, as the Cubs lead 4-3 halfway through the 5th inning.
Middle 5th: Petit's day likely over after that inning.
Middle 5th: Petit strikes out Lake to end the inning.
Petit just misses the outside corner for strike three. Wow, close one there.
Top 5th, 2 out: 1-2 count to Lake from Petit.
Top 5th, 2 out: Great 2-out hitting by the Cubs in this inning.
Very close play at 3B, but Bonifacio appeared to be safe.
Top 5th, 2 out: Bonifacio rips a RBI triple to RF! Samardzija scores easily and the Cubs take a 4-3 lead!
What a piece of opposite field hitting by Samardzija there!
Top 5th, 2 out: Samardzija rips a deep double to RF! Schierholtz scores, and the Cubs tie up the game 3-3!
Nice work by Barney there.
Top 5th, 2 out: Barney hits a high fly ball to LF that gets the run in. Sac fly makes it 3-2, Giants lead.
Top 5th, 1 out: Barney shows bunt on that one and takes a strike.
Top 5th, 1 out: Fielder's choice to 2B by Schierholtz. Runners on first and second, one out, and the light-hitting Barney at the plate.
Sanchez appears to be okay, as the trainers leave the field.
Trainer is out to see if Sanchez is okay. He took a hard shot off the bat of Schierholtz.
Top 5th, 0 out: Schierholtz rips a hard foulball off of the catcher Sanchez. He appears to be a little shaken up.
Top 5th, 0 out: Castillo hits a linedrive to CF for a single. First and second, and nobody out for the Cubs.
Top 5th, 0 out: Valbuena rips an 0-2 fastball into centerfield for a single.
End 4th: Valbuena, Castillo, and Schierholtz due up for the Cubs against Petit.
End 4th: That was Samardzija's 7th strikeout of the game. His stuff is there, but the command appears to be off.
End 4th: Samardzija strikes out Crawford to end the inning.
Bottom 4th, 2 out: Sanchez flies out to CF.
Bottom 4th, 1 out: Samardzija strikes out Morse on a 3-2 slider in the dirt.
That one got out in a hurry. Giants lead 3-1. Sandoval 2-2 with a HR and all 3 RBI for the Giants.
Bottom 4th, 0 out: Sandoval rips a deep homerun to RF!
Samardzija may be over throwing a bit out there. Command seems off.
Bottom 4th, 0 out: Posey leads off the inning with a single to center.
Middle 4th: Tough inning for Samardzija ahead as Posey, Sandoval, and Morse are due up for the Giants.
Middle 4th: Combined 0-6 for Lake, Rizzo, and Castro so far today. This offense usually struggles if those three are not productive.
Middle 4th: Castro pops out to Pence in RF to end the inning.
Top 4th, 2 out: Rizzo strikes out. 4th strikeout by Petit, two to Rizzo.
Lake gave that one a ride, just not enough.
Top 4th, 1 out: Pagan grabs a deep drive by Lake to CF.
End 3rd: Heart of the order coming up for the Cubs as Lake, Rizzo and Castro are due this inning against Petit.
End 3rd: Samardzija is starting to get into a groove, but his pitch count is still higher than you would like to see at 47 pitches through 3 innings.
End 3rd: Nice play by Valbuena as he gets Pence on a chopper to 3B.
Samardzija's breaking stuff is incredible this afternoon.
Bottom 3rd, 2 out: Pagan flies out to Bonifacio in CF.
Petit is far from impressive with the bat in his hands.
Bottom 3rd, 1 out: Samardzija strikes out Petit on a nice Slider.
Middle 3rd: Petit, Pagan, and Pence up to face Samardzija this inning.
Middle 3rd: Cubs tie the game up on a long homerun by Schierholtz. 1-1 heading to the bottom of the 3rd inning.
Middle 3rd: Bonifacio pops out to Crawford at short to end the inning.
Top 3rd, 2 out: Samardzija also flies out to Morse in LF. Bonifacio up for his 2nd at-bat.
Top 3rd, 1 out: Barney flies out weakly to Morse in LF.
That one got out in a hurry. Schierholtz' first homerun of the season, and it comes against his former team. Game is now tied 1-1.
Top 3rd, 0 out: Schierholtz rips a long homerun to deep right center!
Top 3rd, 0 out: Schierholtz fouls off the first two pitches and is down 0-2.
End 2nd: Samardzija has great stuff early on, but he is racking up a large pitch count. 35 pitches thrown through 2 innings, compared to 23 by Petit.
End 2nd: Bottom of the order due up for the Cubs. Schierholtz, Barney, and Samardzija to face Petit.
End 2nd: Samardzija strikes out the side as he gets Hicks to strike out swinging.
Bottom 2nd, 2 out: Samardzija gets Crawford swinging with a 2-2 Splitter.
Bottom 2nd, 1 out: Crawford rips one down the RF line, just foul. Count 2-2.
Bottom 2nd, 1 out: 0-2 pitch almost hits Crawford, 1-2 count.
Bottom 2nd, 1 out: Samardzija strikes out Sanchez with a nice Splitter.
Bottom 2nd, 0 out: Sanchez working at nice at bat, 2-2 count
Middle 2nd: Sanchez, Crawford, and Hicks due up for the Giants to face Samardzija in the 2nd inning.
Middle 2nd: Petit looks great so far in this one. It appears that his home success will continue.
Middle 2nd: Petit strikes out Castillo to end the inning.
Top 2nd, 2 out: The catcher Castillo up to bat. First pitch strike.
Top 2nd, 2 out: Valbuena flies out to Morse in foul territory in left field.
Top 2nd, 1 out: But he strikes out on the same pitch right after that.
Top 2nd, 0 out: Great eye by Castro to take the 0-2 slider out of the zone.
Top 2nd, 0 out: 0-2 count to Castro.
End 1st: Castro, Valbuena, and Castillo due up for the Cubs against Petit in this inning.
End 1st: Despite the first inning run allowed, Samardzija's stuff looks as good as always early one. I expect him to settle in and be fine.
End 1st: Samardzija gets Morse to groundout to Castro at short to end the inning.
Unearned run charged to Samardzija after his error.
Bottom 1st, 2 out: Sandoval rips a long RBI single to right. 1-0 Giants.
Bottom 1st, 2 out: Full count to Sandoval after Samardzija just missed on the outside corner.
Looks like a full house at AT&T Park once again this afternoon.
Samardzija looks great as usual to start this one.
Bottom 1st, 2 out: Samardzija blows a fastball by Posey for the strikeout. Sandoval to the plate.
Bottom 1st, 1 out: Castro throws out Pence on a slow roller to short. Pagan advances to 2B.
The error should be charged to Samardzija, Rizzo made a great play on that ball.
Bottom 1st, 0 out: Pagan reaches on a ball misplayed by Samardzija on the throw by Rizzo.
Middle of 1st: Samardzija is looking for his first win of the season despite leading Major League Baseball with a 1.46 ERA.
Middle of 1st: Pagan, Pence, and Posey due up for the Giants to face Samardzija.
Middle of 1st: Rizzo strikes out swinging on a slider in the dirt to end the inning.
Top 1st, 2 out: 2-2 count to Rizzo.
Top 1st, 2 out: Lake hits a sharp groundball to 3B that Sandoval handles and throws him out.
Top 1st, 1 out: Bonifacio thrown out stealing on the first pitch to Lake.
Top 1st, 0 out: Bonifacio rips a single to center to get things started for the Cubs.
Top 1st, 0 out: Bonifacio leads things off. We are underway, as the first pitch for this Memorial Day game is a strike from Petit.
4:04: Petit has been much better in San Francisco this season. 2.29 ERA at home as opposed to a 8.16 ERA on the road. Largest differential in baseball this season.
4:01: Looks like beautiful weather for baseball in San Francisco.
3:55: The Cubs are desperate for offense, yet continue to put Barney out there. If they could hide his bat, I would understand it, but they simply cannot.
3:54: It is very interesting to see Renteria continue to put Barney in the lineup. I understand that the guy is a Gold Glove caliber 2B, but he is hitting .181/.261/.253 this season.
3:47: First pitch is less than 20 minutes away! Stay tuned for LIVE coverage of this game between the Giants and the Cubs!
3:46: It will be very interesting to see their explosive offense against Samardzija this afternoon. That is certainly the premeir matchup in this game.
3:45: The Giants have been incredible all season long, and have the best record in all of baseball.
3:30: Huge Memorial Day thanks to all active military and veterans out there! We owe everything to you guys.
3:25: Olt is a talented player with huge upside, but he must make more consistent contact if he expects to be an everyday kind of player.
3:24: Mike Olt is the noteable exception from the Cubs lineup this afternoon. The power-hitting 3rd baseman leads the team with 8 homeruns and is second with 24 RBI. That said he is only hitting .169 with a .246 OBP.
3:22: Matt Cain was the scheduled starter for this game, but he was scratched because of a hamstring issue. Petit will get his fourth start of the season instead.
2:56: While he has a suspect past, Ramirez is one of the best hitters of this generation, and will have a huge positive impact on the impressive young offensive talent that the Cubs have in the minors.
2:55: The Cubs made a very surprising and interesting move yesterday when they hired Manny Ramirez to be a player-coach at Triple-A Iowa.
2:46: This guy has been one of the best pitchers in all of baseball!
2:45: Will the Cubs finally be able to get Samardzija his first win this afternoon? I know pitcher's win/loss record is a very overratted stat, but the fact that he is 0-4 is incredible.
2:32: Here is the lineup that the Giants will put out there to face Samardzija: Angel Pagan CF, Hunter Pence RF, Posey 1B, Pablo Sandoval 3B, Morse LF, Hector Sanchez C, Brandon Crawford SS, Hicks 2B, and Petit on the mound for this Memorial Day matchup.
2:29: Lineup for the Cubs this afternoon against the Giants: Bonifacio CF, Lake LF, Rizzo 1B, Castro SS, Valbuena 3B, Welington Castillo C, Nate Schierholtz RF, Darwin Barney 2B, and Samardzija on the mound.
2:26: The Cubs just made a roster move bringing OF Justin Ruggiano off the DL, and optioning OF Ryan Kalish to Triple-A Iowa.
2:12: While the guys who were expected to carry the Cubs’ bullpen have not worked out, Renteria has some young and talented arms to go to late in games that have been pitching magnificently. After the early season struggles of Jose Veras and Pedro Strop, Hector Rondon landed the Cubs’ closer role, and has not let it go. Using an aggressive style of pitching which features a high 90s fastball, Rondon has an ERA of 1.59 and has saved 6 games in 7 chances. Neil Ramirez started the season in the minors, but through 12 games with the big league club, he has been almost unhittable, and is now the main set-up man for the Cubs. Ramirez features a high 90s fastball, and a nasty slider with impressive downward movement. Justin Grimm and lefty Wesley Wright also play key roles in the Cubs’ pen.
2:11: The Giants' bullpen has been absolutely dominant this season. Led by middle relievers Santiago Casilla (1.37 ERA in 22 appearances), Jeremy Affeldt (1.65 ERA in 18 appearances), Jean Machi (0.37 ERA in 23 appearances), and closer Sergio Romo (3.27 ERA and 16 saves in 18 chances), Bochy has been able to shorten the games all season long. Once he gets to his bullpen with the lead, it is very difficult to win a game against the Giants.
2:10: Veteran Emilio Bonifacio has been productive at the top of the Cubs’ order, hitting .283 with 11 stolen bases in 14 attempts, but he provides little plate discipline and almost zero power. Luis Valbuena has been a nice surprise this season hitting .265/.386/.453. Valbuena is a journeyman utility infielder who has shown great plate discipline and occasional power. He may not have much upside, but Valbuena has been a nice solid player for the Cubs this season.
2:09: The Cubs on the other hand are tied for the 5th fewest runs scored in all of baseball, and trail the Giants in every single major offensive category. Junior Lake (.284/.332/.428), Starlin Castro (.274/.313/.442), and Anthony Rizzo (.263/.399/.443) have proved to be a solid young trio with a ton of potential in the middle of the Cubs’ order, but there is little else to be said for the rest of the offense.
2:08: While Petit may have a tough matchup against Samardzija, he has a strong offensive team backing him up. The Giants are a top 10 team in all of baseball when it comes to scoring runs, mostly due to their impressive power. Led by Michael Morse (10), Brandon Hicks (8), and Buster Posey (7), the Giants have the 3rd most homeruns in MLB with 58. While they do not have many players hitting for an incredibly high average, the Giants are a very patient team at the plate, as they do a great job of making the pitcher work. Then, when he gets tired and makes a mistake, they have the power bats to capitalize.
2:07: Petit made another start the next time through the rotation, but this time things did not go as well, as he allowed 8 runs in less than 5 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Petit has made one more start (5 innings pitched, allowing 4 earned runs), and two successful bullpen appearances, before getting the call this afternoon against the Cubs. It will be interesting to see what kind of success he has this time out. To me, Petit looks like a bullpen pitcher, and the Giants are probably better off putting him there and letting him be. He will likely be kept on a strict pitch count this afternoon as he is probably not stretched out enough to go incredibly deep into the ballgame.
2:06: Petit has bounced back and forth between the bullpen and rotation for the Giants this season, and his results have been mixed. Aside from a terrible two inning performance on opening day, Petit has been very good in his time in the bullpen. He won his first start of the season about a month ago, pitching 6 shutout innings against the San Diego Padres. More Giants news on our main Giants tab on VAVEL USA: Giants
2:05: Samardzija’s lack of a win is simply not his fault. He has pitched as well as anybody in baseball, and he has deserved to win the game almost every single time out. Lack of run support, and occasional slips by the bullpen, has made Samardzija come up short over and over again. He will face a tough test this afternoon against the Giants, but Samardzija is one of the most talented pitchers in baseball, and can shut down anybody on a given day.
2:04 While Samardzija has an uninspiring record of 0-4 this season, his record is a terrible indicator of how well he has been pitching. Through 10 starts, Samardzija leads all qualified pitchers in baseball with a 1.45 ERA, and his FIP of 2.86 shows that he is not just getting lucky. On top of that, he is among the league leaders in WHIP with 1.09, and has struck-out 54 batters compared to only 21 walks.
2:03: While the Giants have the much better overall squad, the Cubs have the advantage when it comes to starting pitchers this afternoon, as their ace Jeff Samardzija takes the mound to face Yusmerio Petit of the Giants.
2:02: The Cubs on the other hand, have not been as impressive this season. Despite strong starting pitching and a group of intriguing young talent the Cubs have the second worst record in all of baseball at 18-30. Manager Rick Renteria has mixed and matched all season long, but the Cubs simply do not have the talent on their roster to be serious contenders. That said, they have played better of late, winning 5 of their last 8 games.
2:01: On paper, this appears to be a very uneven matchup, with the Giants being the overwhelming favorites. At 32-18, they have the best record in all of baseball, and are 17-8 at home. Manager Bruce Bochy has this team rolling on all cylinders, as they are coming off of a three game sweep of the Minnesota Twins over the weekend.
2:00: Hello, and welcome to live coverage of this 2014 MLB Regular Season game between the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs. My name is Dan Schmelzer, and I will be with you throughout this matchup. First pitch will be at 4:05 PM ET, live from AT&T Park in San Francisco, California.