Pittsburgh @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 10, 2019 ) Pittsburgh 4, San Francisco 5

The San Francisco Giants managed to withstand a late comeback attempt on Tuesday after succumbing to one in the series opener. They hope to have the opportunity to protect another lead when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday for the third contest of their four-game series.

San Francisco allowed four runs in the ninth inning on Monday en route to a 6-4 setback and yielded four in the eighth the following night but held on for a 5-4 victory. Stephen Vogt was the offensive star for the Giants on Tuesday, delivering a two-run single in the opening frame before belting a two-run homer in the fifth, while Johnny Cueto gave up one hit over five scoreless innings in his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery 13 months ago. Vogt has recorded back-to-back two-hit performances after going 0-for-9 over his previous four contests. Melky Cabrera doubled home two runs on Tuesday before scoring on Josh Bell's homer as Pittsburgh had its five-game road winning streak halted.

TV: 9:45 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Dario Agrazal (4-4, 4.94 ERA) vs. Giants RH Logan Webb (1-1, 6.50)

Agrazal failed in his attempt at winning his third straight start on Thursday as he was tagged for six runs - five earned - and nine hits over 4 1/3 innings in a loss to Miami. The 24-year-old Panamanian rookie hasn't lasted more than five frames since a five-start stretch from June 26-July 26 during which he worked six innings in four consecutive turns and 5 1/3 in the fifth. Agrazal, who never has faced San Francisco, has posted a 4.50 ERA on the road - nearly a run lower than his mark at home.

Webb lasted only 2 2/3 innings at St. Louis on Thursday, when he surrendered eight runs - seven earned - and as many hits en route to his first career loss in his fourth major-league start. The 22-year-old rookie from California produced his best outing in his lone turn at home on Aug. 31 as he limited San Diego to one run over 5 2/3 frames in a no-decision. Webb will be facing Pittsburgh for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates INF Kevin Newman has hit safely in six straight contests and 14 of his last 15.

2. Pittsburgh RHP Kyle Crick underwent season-ending surgery on his right index finger, which he injured on Monday during an altercation in the clubhouse with teammate Felipe Vazquez.

3. San Francisco designated LHP Williams Jerez for assignment on Tuesday to make room on the 40-man roster for Cueto.

PREDICTION: Giants 6, Pirates 4