Miami @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 13, 2019 ) Miami 0, San Francisco 1

The San Francisco Giants dropped out of playoff contention during a lengthy slump, but they may have discovered a dominant reliever in the process. Shaun Anderson quietly has emerged as a reliable late-inning option for the Giants, who continue their three-game series against the visiting Miami Marlins on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Anderson recorded his second save in Friday’s 1-0 victory in place of closer Will Smith, who has been sidelined due to back inflammation but hopes to return this weekend. Stephen Vogt went 2-for-3 with a double while batting cleanup and Anderson sealed the victory with his fourth consecutive scoreless appearance since Sept. 5. Miami was held to four hits and lost for the 17th time in 19 road games. One bright spot was the performance of the 24-year-old Sandy Alcantara, who has posted a 2.59 ERA over his last eight starts after holding the Giants to one run over seven innings.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Robert Dugger (0-2, 4.29 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (9-8, 3.77)

Still seeking his first win after four major-league starts, Dugger allowed two runs in three innings against Milwaukee on Monday. The 24-year-old Texan earned a promotion to the Marlins after posting a 5.33 ERA over 106 1/3 innings in 20 starts between Double- and Triple-A this season. Dugger has battled control issues since arriving in Miami with 15 strikeouts against 11 walks in 21 frames.

Bumgarner bounced back from a rough outing against St. Louis by allowing two runs over seven innings in a no-decision versus Pittsburgh on Monday. The four-time All-Star is tied with former teammate Matt Cain for the most wins (60) by a pitcher at Oracle Park, where he’s posted a 2.82 ERA in 17 outings this season. Starlin Castro is 14-for-35 against Bumgarner, who owns a 2-4 record and 4.73 ERA in nine career starts versus Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants MGR Bruce Bochy is three wins away from 2,000 for his career.

2. Castro has gone 15-for-31 during his eight-game road hitting streak.

3. San Francisco RHP Johnny Cueto (Tommy John surgery) will make his second start of the season on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Giants 7, Marlins 2