2010 NLCS Preview

NLCS
San Francisco Giants vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Game 1 – Sat. – 7:30 – at Philadelphia
Tim Lincecum v. Roy Halladay

Game 2 – Sun. – 8:00 – at Philadelphia
Jonathan Sanchez v. Roy Oswalt

Game 3 – Tue. – 4:00 – at San Francisco
Matt Cain v. Cole Hamels

Game 4 – Wed. – 7:30 – at San Francisco
Madison Bumgarner v. Joe Blanton

Game 5 – Thur. – 7:30 – at San Francisco
Tim Lincecum v. Roy Halladay

Game 6 – Sat. – 3:30 – at Philadelphia
Jonathan Sanchez v. Roy Oswalt

Game 7 – Sun. – 7:30 – at Philadelphia
Matt Cain v. Cole Hamels

Game 1 features one of the best pitching matchups we’ve seen in the postseason of all-time. Defending two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum of the Giants faces the Phillies’ Roy Halladay — he of a regular-season perfect game and postseason no-hitter. Following matchups of Jonathan Sanchez and Roy Oswalt, and Matt Cain and Cole Hamels plaster the scoreboard with zeroes.

But starting pitching is the only area in which the Giants can hang with the Phillies. The Giants have been resilient in fighting their way through a tight NL West race. They thrive on playing close games, having to battle through every at-bat. The battling mentality will serve them well in Philadelphia, but it won’t be sufficient to plate enough runs to keep up with the Phils’ potent lineup.

Defensively, the Phillies are better than solid, both in the infield and outfield. They won’t beat themselves. The bullpen is deep and closer Brad Lidge had been unflappable of late, reminiscent of the 2008 postseason.

If the series makes it back to Philadelphia, which is doubtful, the Phillies will end in Game 6.