20 dime - Giants

Get ready San Francisco because this is going to be the loudest, rowdiest game at AT&T Park since Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron’s home run record. Granted, fan aura doesn’t guarantee anything in terms of wins and losses, but this a very, very tough spot for the Rockies, who have seen their NL Wild Card lead dwindle down to 2.5 games. San Francisco has the opportunity to plunge an arrow into the heart of Colorado and gain all the momentum for the final postseason push.

Payback is an absolute bitch and after being swept a few weeks back at Coors Field, the Giants have had this series circled on their calendar ever since. And so far this series, it’s been all San Francisco. The Giants bats remain red-hot and couldn’t have picked a better time to heat up. Pablo Sandoval and Co. have plated 26 runs their last three games, while the Rockies continue to struggle at the dish, having scored only eight runs their last four contests. And so far this series, the Giants have outscored Colorado 19-3, beating Jason Hammel and Ubaldo Jimenez, who is without a doubt the best arm on the staff.

Ace Tim Lincecum dominated the Colorado lineup Monday night and I love this bounce back spot for “Ace 1b” Matt Cain. The 24-year-old right-hander looks to avenge one of his worst outings of the year against the Dodgers and he’s seen much success against Colorado throughout his career. Cain has compiled a lifetime 8-5 record against the Rox along with a 3.15 ERA and 9 K/9. He’s done very well at home this season (6-3, 2.74) and I’m confident that he’ll be able to mix things up and offset a struggling Rockies lineup.

San Francisco is the best home team (48-25) in the National League and given the added importance of this game, I’m backing the Giants, who have the added edge of playing in front of an electric home crowd. This is as close to must-win as it gets for SF and with the way they’ve been swinging the lumber -- and the undeniable revenge factor -- I believe they make this Wild Card race even closer with a ‘W’ tonight.