Giants at Phillies
The San Francisco Giants have won 19 of their last 24 games to insert themselves into wild-card discussion in the National League. The surging Giants aim to improve their standing in the conversation on Tuesday when they open a three-game series against the host Philadelphia Phillies.
Mike Yastrzemski highlighted his second four-hit performance by driving in two runs and scoring twice as San Francisco won the rubber match of the first series of its nine-game trek with a 7-6 victory over San Diego on Sunday. The grandson of Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski has six hits -- including three doubles -- over his last two contests for the Giants, who sit 2 1/2 games out of the final wild-card spot. Philadelphia resides one game out of that slot after salvaging the finale of its pivotal series against Atlanta with a 9-4 victory on Sunday. "I think we're positioned well to make a run," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said. "I don't think the clubs that are battling for those positions are better than us."
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), NBCS Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Tyler Beede (3-4, 4.85 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Drew Smyly (1-5, 7.69)
Beede will take the mound Tuesday looking to rid himself of the memory of surrendering a career-high three homers and 10 hits in his last outing, a 4-1 setback versus the Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old struck out seven batters in Wednesday's contest, marking the fourth time he's reached that total in his last eight trips to the mound. Beede has also found success away from home with all three of his wins recorded outside of AT&T Park, but his road ERA (5.54) leaves a bit to be desired.
Smyly earned himself a second start after his dazzling debut with Philadelphia in which he allowed one run while striking out eight in six innings of a no-decision against July 21. The 30-year-old kept the ball in the park in that game after surrendering 13 homers in his previous six contests with Texas. Kevin Pillar (0-for-12) has been baffled by Smyly, who has yet to face San Francisco in his career.
WALK-OFFS
1. Philadelphia C J.T. Realmuto launched a grand slam on Sunday for his third homer in his last four games.
2. San Francisco C Buster Posey has 26 hits and 14 runs scored in his last 19 contests.
3. Phillies 1B Rhys Hoskins has eight hits -- including three for extra bases (two homers, triple) -- in his last six games.