San Francisco @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 31, 2013 ) San Francisco 9, Philadelphia 2

Brett Pill might not be the long-term answer at first base for the San Francisco Giants, but he’s making a strong case for more playing time. The Giants could use another big game from the 28-year-old Pill on Thursday when they play the rubber match of a three-game series against the host Philadelphia Phillies. Pill has six hits and four RBIs in two games since being recalled from Triple-A Fresno and he’s expected to share time at first with Brandon Belt over the next two months.

The Phillies and Giants were both quiet at Wednesday’s non-waiver trade deadline, but both teams figure to give their younger players an extended look down the stretch. Philadelphia has lost nine of its last 10 games and clearly misses outfielder Domonic Brown, who could be out for another week while recovering from a concussion. The Giants have lost eight of their last 10, but rookie left fielder Roger Kieschnick provided a spark on Wednesday with two hits in his major-league debut.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSNBA (San Francisco), CSN (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Matt Cain (6-6, 4.79 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Cole Hamels (4-13, 4.09)

Cain tossed a season-high 115 pitches against the Chicago Cubs last Friday, when he surrendered one run while striking out seven over seven innings. After beginning July with two shaky starts, the 28-year-old has allowed a total of three earned runs over his last two outings covering 12 innings. Chase Utley is 8-for-23 with four home runs against Cain, who is 1-4 with a 3.72 ERA in nine career starts against the Phillies.

Hamels has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts, but he’s just 2-2 over that stretch. The 29-year-old lefty, who finished 17-6 a year ago, has gone 2-6 with a 4.52 ERA in 10 starts at home this season. Pablo Sandoval is 6-for-21 with two homers against Hamels, who is 5-3 with a 4.14 ERA in 11 career starts against the Giants.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Phillies have scored two or fewer runs in nine of Hamels’ 22 starts.

2. Sandoval left Wednesday’s game with a bruised right heel and is listed as day-to-day.

3. Phillies OF/1B Darin Ruf has reached base safely in 28 straight games.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Phillies 1