Game Wrap 08-06-2010: Giants 3 Braves 2

Just when it looked like the Giants were going to be done in by the long ball once again, the Braves committed 2 errors in the top of the 9'th inning which allowed the Giants to tie the game at 2-2 and win it in extra innings, the tying and winning runs both scoring without the benefit of a hit. This series promised to be a tight matchup between two evenly matched teams and has lived up to that billing so far. The Braves gave this one to the Giants, though. Key lines:

Andres Torres- 2 for 5, 2 SB(21). BA= .292. For awhile, it looked like Zito might make Torres' first inning run stand up.

Pat Burrell- 2 for 2, 2 BB, SF. BA= .251. A perfect night for Burrell with his lone out driving in the winning run.

Aubrey Huff- 0 for 3, BB, HBP. Huff led off both the 9'th and 11'th innings scoring both the tying and winning runs. If you aren't hitting, then find another way to win, baby!!

Barry Zito- 7 IP, 4, 2 R, 2 BB, 10 K's. ERA= 3.35. Giants pitchers are suddenly getting bit by the long ball, which almost ruined Zito's gem.

Giants Bullpen- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. The Braves have a pretty good bullpen, but the Giants had a better one tonight. Javier Lopez got 3 lefthanded batters out in the bottom of the 10'th for the W. Anybody still think that was a bad trade for the Giants? Brian Wilson had an uneventful 32'nd Save.

With the W, the Giants move back to 1 game behind the NL West leading Padres who lost to the D'Backs 2-1. Go D'Backs!! I think we can safely root for them against all teams but the Giants at this point. Colorado Rockies defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-3 to get to a 6.5 game deficit in the division, 5.5 games behind the Giants. Meanwhile, Adam Dunn hit two 3-run HR's to sink the Dodgers 6-3 in their game against the Nats to drop them 8 games off the division lead, 7 behind the Giants. The winning D'Backs improved to a 22 game deficit. In the Wild Card race, the Phillies beat the Mets 7-5 and the Cards blanked the Marlins 7-0 as both teams remained 1.5 games behind the Giants.

Matt Cain, who has been pitching great lately, takes on Tim Hudson today in what promises to be another tight, low scoring duel between the Braves and Giants. Go Matt!!!