The San Francisco Giants host the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park on Sunday, July 12, with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 PM ET. San Francisco sends right-hander Trevor McDonald to the hill against Colorado veteran Michael Lorenzen in what figures to be a pivotal mid-July home contest. With the second half of the season underway and every game carrying real weight in the standings, this is exactly the kind of Sunday afternoon matchup the Giants need to win in front of their own crowd.
Probable Pitchers: Trevor McDonald vs. Michael Lorenzen
Trevor McDonald gets the nod for San Francisco. The young right-hander has been working his way into the Giants rotation, and Sunday gives him a legitimate opportunity to make a statement against a Colorado lineup that has had its struggles on the road. How McDonald handles his command and keeps the Rockies off the bases early will set the tone for the entire afternoon.
On the other side, Michael Lorenzen takes the ball for Colorado. A seasoned arm who has bounced around the league, Lorenzen brings enough experience to keep a Giants lineup honest. He is capable of working deep into games when his stuff is right, so San Francisco's hitters will need to work counts, get on base, and do damage when opportunities present themselves. Patience at the plate is non-negotiable against a pitcher with Lorenzen's profile.
Keys to Watch for the Giants
- McDonald's command: The Giants need their starter to attack the zone early and avoid deep counts that could shorten his outing and tax the bullpen on a Sunday.
- Plate discipline against Lorenzen: Lorenzen can be hittable when batters make him work. The Giants' lineup should look to drive pitch counts up and capitalize on mistakes in the middle of the order.
- Capitalizing at Oracle Park: San Francisco's home environment is an advantage. Getting the Oracle Park crowd involved early with productive at-bats sets a tone that benefits the entire roster.
- Bullpen management: With a 4:05 PM first pitch on a Sunday, the Giants' backend relievers need to be sharp and ready if McDonald runs into trouble in the middle innings.
Broadcast Information
Sunday's game can be seen on NBC Sports Bay Area and heard locally on KNBR 680. Spanish-language coverage is available on 1510 AM KSFN. Rockies fans can follow along on Rockies.TV and KOA 850 AM / 94.1 FM.
Prediction
This is a winnable game for San Francisco, and the Giants should take it. Oracle Park tilts the advantage toward the home side, and Colorado has shown vulnerability away from Coors Field. If McDonald can give the Giants five or six solid innings and the lineup makes Lorenzen work, the Giants have enough at home to close this one out. Giants win, 4–2.
