San Francisco Giants vs. Texas Rangers Preview

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When the Texas Rangers come to AT&T Park this weekend, it will be the first time they meet with the San Francisco Giants since the 2010 World Series.

The nostalgia ends there. Both teams have gone through plenty of alterations in the past two years that make this weekend far from a 2010 rematch.

Rotations, bullpens, offense and defense have all changed so much. All six pitchers scheduled to start this weekend have very little history against their opponents so this series should be a new experience for all.

Giants Summary

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The Giants have been doing well in recent weeks, winning nine of the past 11 at home and haven’t lost a series since May 7-9 in Los Angeles.

Coming off a series win in a short road trip to San Diego, the G-Men return to AT&T Park hoping to continue their success after a four-game sweep against the Chicago Cubs. San Francisco has won 15 of their last 17 meetings with Texas.

Hot hitters include Ryan Theriot, Gregor Blanco and Angel Pagan, who currently has a 15-game hitting streak going into Friday night.

Rangers Summary

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This weekend the Rangers hope to break their losing streak in San Francisco. Texas hasn’t won a regular season game on the Giants’ turf since June 26, 1998.

They are going through some issues—losing seven of their last nine games. The Oakland Athletics took three of four against the Rangers this week. Texas has been held to two or less runs in the last five of seven games. That could mean they’re stuck…or they’re due.

The Rangers will look to get back on track and get their first win in San Francisco in almost 14 years.

Friday, June 8, 2012: Harrison vs. Zito

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Starting Pitchers:

Matt Harrison (7-3, 4.37 ERA) 

Barry Zito (5-2, 2.98 ERA)

Friday night will mark Matt Harrison’s first start against the San Francisco Giants. He’s been solid, going 3-0 with a 2.49 ERA in his last three games and most recently holding the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to three runs in 6 2/3 innings in Sunday’s win.

He’ll face off against Barry Zito, who has been having a season to remember so far. He is 18-5 in his career against Texas and recorded a win in San Francisco’s last regular season matchup against the Rangers back in 2009.

Saturday, June 9, 2012: Feldman vs. Vogelsong

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Starting Pitchers:

Scott Feldman (0-4, 7.01 ERA)

Ryan Vogelsong (4-2, 2.38 ERA)

Ryan Vogelsong hasn’t faced anyone on the Texas Rangers yet but is coming off a two-run, seven-inning start against the Cubs last weekend. Vogelsong had a 1.51 ERA in May, quite different than the Rangers’ Scott Feldman.

The RHP was put in the rotation after Neftali Feliz was placed on the disabled list with a sprained right elbow. He’s lost four straight starts, most recently allowing eight runs in Monday’s loss against the Athletics.

Sunday, June 10, 2012: Ogando vs. Lincecum

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Starting Pitchers:

Alexi Ogando (1-0, 2.27 ERA)

Tim Lincecum (2-6, 5.83 ERA)

Derek Holland was originally slated to start Sunday’s game until he had to go to the disabled list. Ogando will take his place and make his first start of the season. He’ll face off against Tim Lincecum.

Lincecum has had a tough 2012 season so far, losing his last four straight decisions. He’s been looking better in past starts, despite the record, and will face Texas for the first time since his eight innings of work in San Francisco’s 3-1 World Series clinching victory.