First game of 3. Verlander will be toeing the rubber.

SF enters today having lost seven of their last nine games and 10 of their last 15.

Over its last nine games, SF is averaging 3.6 runs/game while logging a .172 batting

average and a .530 OPS...for comparison, in its 11 games prior, SF was scoring 6.8 runs

per game while batting .286 with an .860 OPS.

Prior to leaving for the road trip, the Giants sat 1.5 games behind the Mets for the final

NL Wild Card spot...entering play today, SF stands 3.0 games back of the Mets and Reds

as well as 2.0 games behind of the Diamondbacks for the final NL WC spot.