The Giants got a big lift from Hunter Pence returning to the lineup and Matt Cain looked like the Matt Cain of old as the Giants broke their 7 game losing streak. Key Lines:
Gregor Blanco- 3 for 4. BA= .314. If Blanco keeps this up, I have to think he might be the starting CF after Aoki gets back.
Joe Panik- 2 for 4. BA= .306. The Giants first 3 hitters in the lineup were a combined 6 for 12.
Hunter Pence- 1 for 4. BA= .280. This is a different team with Pence. He can help them win in so many ways. He got one RBI with is speed, converting a GIDP into FC which allowed the run to score from 3'rd. His second RBI was on a base hit. Then, he saved a run after running a long way to make a diving catch down the RF line but getting up in a single 360 degree motion to nail the runner trying to score from 3B with a perfect throw home. Let's all just hope he can stay healthy the rest of the way, because that will be a big difference maker right there. The fact that the Giants are not completely out of the race by now with Pence missing most of the first half is close to a miracle.
Matt Cain- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 4.09. Wow! Cainer woke up the echoes with a vintage performance. That is the best I've seen him throw since the Perfect Game which was when? 2012? FB sat at 93 and topped out at 94 MPH. His breaking ball had bite and this changeup was deceptive. Again, that the Giants are still in the race with Cain having missed the entire first half is close to a miracle. If this is the Cainer we get for the second half, that's gotta be worth 3-4 extra wins right there!
The Win closed the gap on the first place Dodgers to 4 games as the Bad Guys lost to the Phillies 7-2. The Dangerous D'Backs are right there, 1 game behind the Giants after a 4-2 Win over Texas.
Jake Peavy tries to build on his strong last start and tries for a series win this afternoon, facing All-Star RHP Jake DeGrom.
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It sure brought back memories to see Cain finish off hitters with that high fastball. I am cautiously optimistic.
ReplyDeleteMy only regret is that I didn't get to see Cain's performance last night. What a great development though!
ReplyDeleteIt was a good game by Cain so I've gone to 'cautiously optimistic' for his pitching.
ReplyDeletePence had a very nice return. You look at what he did, and without him it's a much closer game. Possibly a tie game in late innings.
Blanco, at this point, is easily out-playing Pagan. I think it'd be the smart move to put him in CF when there was a bit more depth. Plus Pagan has been having on-and-off again knee problems all season. He's bruised both knees and is suffering from bouts of knee inflammation.