Bruce Bochy said on July 13 he might bat Nate Schierholtz leadoff in the second half of the season. Just over a week later, it's happening in Game 2 against the Phillies. Schierholtz has four career games batting leadoff; he's batting .500 with a .556 on-base percentage.
With Schierholtz atop the lineup and occupying right field, Gregor Blanco is relegated to the bench.
Facing the left-handed Cole Hamels, Joaquin Arias gets the start at shortstop over Brandon Crawford, even after Crawford delivered the game-changing grand slam in the Game 1 win over Philadelphia.
Interesting, Brandon Belt, who sat Friday against a right-handed pitcher, is in there Saturday facing a lefty and batting eighth.
Angel Pagan was out Friday, too, as the switch hitter is struggling mightily from the left side of the plate. He'll bat righty against Hamels. Pagan has more power from the right side, as evidenced by his three home runs in 111 at-bats from that side, compared to two home runs in 230 at-bats as a lefty.
San Francisco Giants
1. Nate Schierholtz (L) RF
2. Ryan Theriot (R) 2B
3. Melky Cabrera (S) LF
4. Buster Posey (R) C
5. Pablo Sandoval (S) 3B
6. Angel Pagan (S) CF
7. Joaquin Arias (R) SS
8. Brandon Belt (L) 1B
9. Matt Cain (R) P
Philadelphia Phillies
1. Jimmy Rollins (S) SS
2. Shane Victorino (S) CF
3. Chase Utley (L) 2B
4. Ryan Howard (L) 1B
5. Carlos Ruiz (R) C
6. Hunter Pence (R) RF
7. Juan Pierre (L) LF
8. Mike Fontenot (L) 3B
9. Cole Hamels (L) P