Logan Webb to start NLDS Game 1 for division champion Giants

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Logan Webb will start for the San Francisco Giants in Game 1 of their NL Division Series on Friday night against the Cardinals or Dodgers.

Fellow right-hander and 14-game winner Kevin Gausman will go Saturday night in Game 2 for the NL West champions, having thrived lately with a little extra rest — something that factored into manager Gabe Kapler's decision when he felt equally confident in both pitchers.

“To be able to throw the first game for the best team in the league is pretty cool,” Webb said after his bullpen session Wednesday. “I'm super excited for it. I feel an extra confidence when we're here just ‘cause it’s a great place to pitch, first of all, and also the crowd here is great.”

On Sunday against San Diego, Webb pitched the 107-win Giants to their first NL West title since 2012 and also hit a two-run homer — the first home run of his career. He is 10-0 since losing May 5 at Colorado.

“I don't doubt that there's some really good adrenaline at play here. This has been an exciting month, two months, three months for Logan on many different levels, including what's happened in the batter's box,” Kapler said. “We've seen that that confidence can make your body bounce back well.”

With an extra day of rest, Gausman allowed one run over seven stellar innings in Saturday's extra-inning loss to the Padres as San Francisco missed a chance to clinch the division. He struck out five and gave up six hits, and Kapler noted, “the extra days seemed to bring out the best velocity from Gaus, the best action on the split, a little bit more endurance in-game.”

The 24-year-old Webb insists he and Gausman had no preference who took the ball for the playoff opener, proud to support each other either way.

“He's honestly more excited than I am, for me,” Webb...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Logan-Webb-to-start-NLDS-Game-1-for-division-16514763.php