The Cubs may have caught the NL West-leading Giants a bit flat-footed in Friday's three-game series opener.

The Giants (74-58) had just come off a late night game at Houston before flying to Chicago for a day game with the Cubs. That could have been part of the reason the Cubs were able to take the opener 6-4 off Giants P Madison Baumgartner.

The Cubs (51-80) won't have that luxury this afternoon as they face off against Tim Lincecum (7-14) at 1:05 p.m.

Lincecum is struggling overall this season, but is 3-0 with an ERA of 1.93 in his last three starts since the All-Star break. He's also 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA at Wrigley Field.

Chicago snapped a three-game losing streak with the 6-4 win Friday, and will counter Lincecum with Justin Germano (2-4, 5.91), who has a 1.83 ERA against the Giants.

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