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One thing for sure this season, is everytime Matt Cain takes the ball, his offense has shown up and given him much run support this season compared to what he has received in the past few seasons. Although, it isn’t like Cain has needed that much run support as he has sported a miniscule 2.40 E.R.A. this season to go along with hs 5-1 record. 

Giants starters have a combined 2.03 ERA in the team’s last 10 games to lower their season mark to 3.86, which is good for third best in the National League. Matt Cain, arguably their most consistent pitcher to date, will face the Cardinals after pitching a complete game in his last outing.

Cain will be working with an extra day’s rest, which he won’t need. He has maintained his strength throughout the season, lasting at least six innings in each of his past nine starts — including a complete game last Saturday at Seattle. Cain has thrived with runners in scoring position, limiting opponents to a .100 average (4-for-40) in those situations. He has faced St. Louis just twice in his career, losing his lone decision and posting a 9.58 ERA against the Cardinals. But something tells me that Cain is going to fare better against the Cardinals tonight and lower that E.R.A. a little bit. 

Cain will have to face an injury-riddled Cardinals team that is bringing in some reinforcements to help out the lineup and welcoming some injured players back off the disabled list.  Outfielders Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel, who just got off the DL, but hasn’t played much since he got off, have recently been activated off the DL  and deemed ready to play just in time for Friday Night’s game.  So the Cardinals will have their 3,4,5 hitters in the lineup tonight in Albert Pujols, Ryan Ludwick, and Rick Ankiel respectively.  Cain has his hands full tonight but if he continues to pitch like he has had recently, then he and the Giants should be just fine and continue this mini 3 game winning streak the Giants got going. 

Tune in to CSNBayArea and watch the St. Louis Cardinals take on your San Francisco Giants at AT & T Park. Gametime is at 7:15. Joel Pineiro (5-4, 3.52 E.R.A.) takes the ball for the Cardinals in Game 1 of this series.