He was great during the regular season, but Lance Lynn will be the reason why the series shifts back to San Francisco as the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals hook up tonight for Game 5 of the NLCS.
Adam Wainwright pitched a gem in Game 4 after struggling in his last start of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals. However, Lynn has not been effective at all this postseason.
He gave up four runs against these Giants in Game 1 of the NLCS in 3.2 innings pitched. During the NLDS, he gave up three runs in 3.1 innings pitched.
This proves that Lynn is hittable despite having a great fastball.
Hunter Pence finally got on the production board after hitting a solo bomb off Wainwright in Game 4. Pablo Sandoval seems to be on a mission to hit a home run in every at bat. Not that this is different from any baseball player, but Sandoval swings out of his shoes. He hit a two-run shot late in the game.
Despite losing Game 4, these are good signs for the Giants.
Barry Zito has struggled, but the question with him is control. In his last start against the Cincinnati Reds he was removed from the game in the third because he walked four.
Today, the Giants will not have the luxury of falling behind early or walking a lot of batters.
The Giants will rise to the occasion, pound Lynn and get Zito enough run support to feel comfortable on the mound.
Score Prediction: This prediction is solely based on numbers. Lance Lynn has not been sharp in the playoffs, therefore Giants will win 5-4 in a close Game 5 decided by the bullpen.
