Pittsburgh @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 22, 2013 ) Pittsburgh 10, San Francisco 5

Andrew McCutchen faces one of his favorite opponents Friday when the Pittsburgh Pirates continue their four-game series against the struggling San Francisco Giants. McCutchen owns a nine-game hitting streak against the Giants, who have fallen to last place in the National League West after losing seven of their last 11 games. The Pirates hold a one-game lead over St. Louis in the NL Central, and McCutchen has bolstered his MVP campaign while batting .441 this month with 13 multi-hit games.

The news is not as positive in the Giants' outfield, where Andres Torres could miss the rest of the season after landing on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a left Achilles tendon strain. Francisco Peguero was recalled from Triple-A Fresno to take Torres’ spot, and is expected to share time with Gregor Blanco, Roger Kieschnick and Brett Pill in left field as the Giants look for a long-term solution. Outfielder Gary Brown, a former first-round pick, is unlikely to receive a September call-up following a dismal season in Fresno.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Charlie Morton (4-3, 3.67 ERA) vs. Giants RH Madison Bumgarner (11-7, 2.82)

Pittsburgh’s starting rotation has struggled in recent weeks, but Morton has been a surprising bright spot with three consecutive quality starts. Pablo Sandoval is 4-for-19 against Morton, who is 2-4 with a 3.12 ERA in eight career starts against the Giants. The 29-year-old made his season debut against San Francisco on June 13, allowing four runs (two earned) in five innings.

Bumgarner was uncharacteristically wild Sunday against Miami, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and four walks over five frames. The 24-year-old is 1-1 with a 0.69 ERA in two career starts against Pittsburgh. Left-handed hitters are batting .161 against Bumgarner, who has one win in his last six outings (1-2).

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates LHP Wandy Rodriguez will visit Dr. James Andrews next week after experiencing pain in his left elbow during a simulated game Thursday.

2. The Giants are 9-22 against the NL Central.

3. Pittsburgh is 57-3 when leading after seven innings.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Pirates 2