Date: <\/strong>May 27, 2011 San Francisco Giants (27-21 through May 25)<\/strong> The San Francisco Giants are the defending World Series champions; they\u2019re first in the National League East this season; and they have ace Tim Lincecum taking the hill on Thursday. So why the long faces, Giants fans?<\/p>\n Well, San Fran\u2019s offensive woes have been well-documented this season. They\u2019re 26th<\/sup> in baseball in runs scored and hitting .243 as a team. That\u2019s why Lincecum has a .500 record despite his tiny ERA. They were already missing Pablo Sandoval (hand) and Mark DeRosa (wrist) when disaster struck on Wednesday night; their best hitter, catcher Buster Posey, broke his leg on a collision at home and is done for the season.<\/p>\n Can Lincecum keep the Giants alive against Milwaukee with little to no run support? He\u2019s a pedestrian 2-3 with a 4.62 ERA against them over seven career starts. Milwaukee Brewers (27-23)<\/strong> The Milwaukee Brewers figured they were adding an ace to their rotation when they acquired Zack Greinke in the offseason; who knew they\u2019d be getting two?<\/p>\n Maybe Toronto Blue Jays fans did. Shaun Marcum had quietly thrived in the tough American League East thanks to his impeccable control. By comparison, the NL has been a piece of cake for him this season. He\u2019s allowed one earned run or fewer in four of his last five starts and six of his 10 outings overall.<\/p>\n MLB Trends:<\/strong><\/p>\n SF are 8-3 in Lincecums last 11 road starts. The pick:<\/strong><\/p>\n Even with Lincecum on the hill, the Brewers seem like the right play on Thursday to me. Marcum is dealing; the Giants\u2019 lineup was already among the majors\u2019 worst even with Posey in the lineup, so it may be the <\/em>worst now. The Brew Crew are also 6-0 on their current homestand, with Corey Hart dialed in and joining the hit parade. <\/p>\n I think they\u2019ll keep the fun going against hobbled San Fran.<\/p>\n
\nVenue: <\/strong>Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>CSBA, FSWI
\nSan Francisco Giants at Milwaukee Brewers Betting Lines from BetOnline.com <\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Brewers -113<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 6.5 (-105)<\/strong>
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\nTim Lincecum (4-4, 2.06)<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nShaun Marcum (6-1, 2.37)<\/p>\n
\nSF are 15-6 in Lincecums last 21 starts.
\nSF are 15-6 in Lincecums last 21 starts on grass.
\nMIL are 13-3 in their last 16 overall.
\nMIL are 13-3 in their last 16 games on grass.
\nMIL are 20-6 in their last 26 home games.
\nSF are 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
\nUnder is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.<\/p>\n