Series Preview: Los Gigantes

The Houston Astros won the series against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. Yes, that's right, the Astros WON a series, and not just in typical fashion either (see Brian Bogusevic's walk-off grand slam...and for those of you who plan on ripping me and saying that I was wrong all along and Bogusevic should be starting long-term or something, just don't. You're still wrong.) Anyways, here you have it:

Houston Astros (40-84) vs. San Francisco Giants (67-58): August 19-21, Minute Maid Park

Game 1:
7:05 pm- Wandy Rodriguez (8-9, 3.50) vs. Ryan Vogelsong (10-2, 2.47)

Game 2:
Jordan Lyles (1-7, 5.31) vs. Madison Bumgarner (7-11, 3.49)

Game 3:
Henry Sosa (0-2, 6.00) vs. Jonathan Sanchez (4-7, 4.26)

Surprisingly, in a series that, on paper, looks completely lopsided, this three-game set between the Astros and Giants actually has several levels of intrigue. The first game pits Houston's staff ace against the comeback kid of the year in Vogelsong. The Astros never had any problem solving Vogelsong during his Pittsburgh days, but the way he's been pitching this season, no guarantees may be drawn at all. Game two features two of the most highly-touted young pitchers in the game in Lyles and Bumgarner. Bumgarner hasn't really delivered on his high ceiling, but neither has Lyles. Both are feast or famine hurlers, so expect that contest to either be a complete pitcher's duel or a game of softball. Lastly, Sosa takes on his former club in the series finale against the oft-injured Sanchez, who I still think might not start. The Giants have to be at least a little surprised that Sosa a) has done this well so far and b) is pitching against them in the big leagues...already.

PREDICTION: I'll say the 'Stros win one of three, with Rodriguez being able to outdo Vogelsong in game one. The Giants are in desperation mode now with Arizona slowly taking control of the NL West, and a team that's playing for its collective playoff life is never one to mess with. The Astros benefit from being able to miss Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, but it's no secret that Vogelsong, Bumgarner, and Sanchez are pretty competent hurlers too. Lyles has been shelled his last two starts, and while the Giants don't exactly wield a big stick, I still think he gets knocked around. Sosa has the chance to do alright, but he needs to solve his first inning jitters.