San Francisco Giants vs Arizona Diamondbacks pre-game & lineups: Tim Lincecum vs Bronson Arroyo

Apr 3, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum in the dugout in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Lincecum hits the mound for the San Francisco Giants tonight at AT&T Park for his second start against the Arizona Diamondbacks this season. On the mound for the D-backs is Bronson Arroyo, the pitcher many Giants fans hoped would in up in San Francisco this season. Tonight’s game starts at 7:15 PM.

Arroyo has pitched one game this season, also against Lincecum and the Giants, and comes with a 4.15 ERA in 4.1 innings pitched.  He gave up 5 hits, 2 earned runs, and 2 walks in that April 3rd game. The Giants won the first matchup against Arroyo, 8-5, mostly thanks to a 5 run 8th inning against Will Harris.

Lincecum returns to San Francisco looking for his first win of the season after giving up 8 hits and 4 earned runs in his first meeting against the D-backs. His ERA stands at 6.0 so far this season.

Today’s lineups look like this:

San Francisco Giants’ Lineup

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Lineup

Here’s the good news for the Giants: Aaron Hill is not in tonight’s lineup. He’s 9 for 17 against Lincecum with 4 doubles.

The bad news? Paul Goldschmidt is still in the lineup. He’s 12 for 23 against Lincecum with 6 home runs, including one in their last meeting.

The potentially worse news? Mark Trumbo has limited action against Lincecum, but he’s already 2 for 3 with a double and a home run (all from their last meeting). He’s also tied with Brandon Belt in leading MLB in home runs this season.

But hey, they Giants are hitting pretty well themselves, particularly Angel Pagan and Belt, so I’ll stop being a Debbie Downer. Afterall, maybe we’ll get to see Will Harris again in the 8th inning.

Against Arroyo, Belt is 6 for 11 with 2 home runs. Buster Posey is only 3 for 12. Pablo Sandoval is a measly 4 for 23. Angel Pagan is 7 for 29 with 2 home runs. Brandon Crawford is 2 for 12, and Michael Morse has 0 hits in only 2 at bats. Joaquin Arias has never faced Arroyo.

But hey, we beat the D-backs last time he pitched, so I have faith we’ll do it again.

On a lighter subject, tonight is Hunter Pence Scooter Bobblehead night at the park. Here’s a look at them.