San Francisco @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 11, 2013 ) San Francisco 7, Chi. Cubs 6

For a team known for its pitching and defense, the San Francisco Giants sure have been doing a lot of hitting lately. The Giants will be looking to keep up an offensive surge when they visit the Chicago Cubs again on Friday. San Francisco has totaled 26 runs in its last three games and has won four straight. Pablo Sandoval and Angel Pagan each drove in two runs in a 7-6 victory Thursday to open a four-game series.

The Cubs have dropped five of their last six and squandered a five-run lead Thursday. Chicago was not expected to put up much of a challenge in the National League Central again this season but did think that its pitching staff might be able to take a step forward. The bullpen was the first part of that staff to struggle, and starter Scott Feldman was let down by the defense Thursday. The Giants figured to get production from Buster Posey and Sandoval, but have also gotten contributions from Pagan (.350 batting average) and rookie Nick Noonan (.455) among others.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, CSBA (San Francisco), CSN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Matt Cain (0-1, 8.38 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Carlos Villanueva (0-0, 1.35)

Cain struck out eight in six scoreless innings in his season debut but did not have the same success in his second start, getting pounded for nine runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings to suffer a loss against St. Louis. The 28-year-old allowed all nine of those runs in the fourth inning to become the first Giants pitcher since 1902 to allow that many in one frame. Cain has had better luck against Chicago, going 6-2 with a 2.45 ERA in 13 career starts.

Villanueva made his Cubs debut against the Braves last week and held them to one run in 6 2/3 innings. He was in line for the win until the bullpen squandered a four-run lead over the final two frames. The right-hander has made 13 career appearances against San Francisco, going 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA in 17 1/3 innings. Villanueva has had some trouble with Hunter Pence, who is 7-for-21 with a home run against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Francisco closer Sergio Romo has a league-leading six saves in as many chances.

2. Former Giant Nate Schierholtz went 3-for-4 with two runs scored Thursday and is batting .370 for the Cubs.

3. Chicago prospect Jorge Soler was suspended five games by the Class A Florida State League for threatening an opponent with a bat.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Cubs 2