Scouting report: Giants at Pirates

Player who kills the Pirates: Giants first baseman Brandon Belt has eight at bats against the Pirates this year, and he has five hits — good for a robust small-sample .625 batting average — a homer and three RBIs. The left-handed Belt has enjoyed an uptick in power thanks to a grip change with his swing. He hits lefties well and was emerging as middle-of-the-order presence before suffering a concussion. He's back in the Giants' lineup.

Key matchup: No Pirates player has more experience against the Giants than catcher Russell Martin, a former Dodger. Martin has 151 at bats against the current Giants pitchers, though he's been limited to a .212 average and one home run against them. But Martin homered twice in last season's wild-card game, often has risen to the moment as a Pirate and dramatically has improved his offensive performance this season.

Digit: 11 - Strikeouts by Francisco Liriano at San Francisco on June 29. Liriano allowed one run over seven innings in his only start against the Giants this season. this season.

.300 - Batting average of Giants outfielder Angel Pagan, whom the Giants will be without. He has a back injury that required season-ending surgery.

“Him ?'': Giants reliever Sergio Romo has had a rough year. He's fallen from dominant closer status to set-up role, though he still has a wicked slider. He recently engaged in a shouting match with Giants coach Shawon Dunston, and when the altercation was reported by a Bay-area reporter, the Giants boycotted the reporter.