Atlanta @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( May 11, 2013 ) Atlanta 1, San Francisco 10

The Atlanta Braves look to salvage a series split on Sunday when they meet the suddenly explosive San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. After losing the series opener 6-3, the Giants have outscored the Braves 18-3 over the past two games. Giants starting pitchers Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner have held the Braves to three runs on seven hits while striking out 18 in 15 innings over the last two games.

Braves right fielder Justin Upton will be happy to leave AT&T Park after misplaying two fly balls on Saturday. While he struggled defensively, at least he’s contributing at the plate with 12 home runs and a .278 batting average. The same can’t be said for his brother, B.J., who is batting .157 after going 3-for-17 over the last six games. Atlanta, which is 9-14 since starting the season 12-1, could get injured right fielder Jason Heyward (appendectomy) back as soon as Monday if his minor-league rehab assignment goes well.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports South (Atlanta), Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Kris Medlen (1-4, 3.25 ERA) vs. Giants RH Tim Lincecum (2-2, 4.75)

Medlen turned in his fifth quality start last Tuesday against the Reds, allowing two earned runs over seven innings. He hasn’t been as sharp as he was in the second half last season, but he’s gone seven innings in four of his seven starts. Pablo Sandoval has three hits in four at-bats with a home run against Medlen, who has given up three homers in his last three starts. The 27-year-old Medlen is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in six career games (one start) against the Giants.

After two encouraging starts, Lincecum took a step back while allowing 10 runs and 19 hits over his last two outings. He gave up five runs in seven innings against the Phillies last Tuesday. The Giants are 5-2 when he takes the mound, but only two of his seven starts have been quality outings. He’s 6-5 with a 3.28 ERA in 11 career starts against the Braves, including four consecutive losses. Brian McCann is 10-for-29 with one home run against the two-time Cy Young award winner.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 3B Chris Johnson left Saturday’s game after fouling a ball off his knee and is listed as day-to-day.

2. San Francisco 2B Marco Scutaro is batting .488 during an 11-game hitting streak.

3. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez is expected back for Sunday’s series finale after missing two games for his daughter’s college graduation.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Giants 2