Los Angeles @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 26, 2014 ) LA Dodgers 5, San Francisco 0

The San Francisco Giants are hoping new acquisition Jake Peavy can help them salvage Sunday’s series finale against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, who have pulled one-half game ahead of the Giants in the National League West. The Dodgers have won the first two games of the series by a combined 13-1 while holding the Giants’ offense to nine singles. Peavy, who was acquired from Boston on Saturday for two minor-league pitchers, owns a 14-2 record with a 2.21 ERA in 25 career starts against the Dodgers.

The Giants have lost 18 of their last 24 home games, and the injury bug is proving to be a growing concern. First baseman Brandon Belt (concussion), center fielder Angel Pagan (back) and starting pitcher Matt Cain (right elbow inflammation) are not expected back soon, and catcher Hector Sanchez was placed on the seven-day concussion list Saturday. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez is 13-for-31 in eight games since the All-Star break for the Dodgers, who have won four of their last six.

TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, ESPN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Hyun-Jin Ryu (11-5, 3.39 ERA) vs. Giants RH Jake Peavy (1-9, 4.72)

Ryu improved to 7-2 on the road this season after holding Pittsburgh to two runs over seven innings Monday. “He probably had the biggest drop in curveball we’ve seen this year as far as depth,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle told MLB.com. “The guy’s got weapons, and he’s a cool cat on the mound.” Ryu allowed eight runs over two innings against the Giants on April 4 before tossing seven scoreless innings against them two weeks later.

Peavy led the American League with 20 home runs allowed, but had been pitching better of late with a 3.91 ERA and eight walks and 26 strikeouts over his past four starts. Adrian Gonzalez is 4-for-11 with two homers against the 33-year-old, who played for Giants manager Bruce Bochy in San Diego from 2002-06. He’s facing Los Angeles for the first time since Aug. 25, 2013, when he allowed one run in a complete-game victory while pitching for Boston.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Francisco optioned RHP George Kontos to Triple-A Fresno to make room for Peavy.

2. Dodgers LHP J.P. Howell has made 11 consecutive scoreless appearances covering 8 2/3 innings.

3. The Giants have won their last six games when they have homered.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Giants 3