Lamonte Wade Jr's solo HR in the 4'th inning was all the run support the Giants needed in a bullpen game featuring Tristan Beck. Key Lines:
Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 1 for 3, HR(11). BA= .268. Giants only had one other hit in the game plus one walk.
Tristan Beck RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 4/1. ERA= 2.73. Casual reminder that Beck's last appearance was 2 scoreless extra-innings against the Red Sox starting both innings with a runner on 2B. In his last 6 appearances since June 25 he's allowed just 1 run in 15.1 IP, 8 H and 3 BB. He's on a role and now getting higher leverage roles. When asked if Beck might become a full-fledged SP, Kapler said, "I think there is a case, but is there a case to let a guy kick *** and keep kicking *** in the role they are in because it's good for them?" Tough to argue with that logic especially since Kap seems to keep on pushing the right buttons with the pitching staff, but I'd still like to see Beck get a chance to move into Logan Webb and Alex Cobb territory. Maybe next year? Dude looks like a hoss to me.
Scott Alexander LHP opened the game with a scoreless first inning. Sean Manaea LHP, Luke Jackson RHP and Taylor Rogers LHP also contributed. Camilo Doval RHP recorded his 33'rd Save of the season to close it out.
Overall a pretty astonishing pitching performance.
The Win leaves the Giants 2 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West pending the outcome of their game against the A's. The Giants remain ensconced in the first Wild Card position but 1.5 games over the Phillies and 2.5 games ahead of the Reds.
The Giants get a rare Friday off before a 2 game series across the bay in Oakland.
It begs the question why we don’t just use the opener every game. I don’t know many fans that like watching openers start games but hard to argue with the effectiveness. The more games our openers start the better they should get at it so why not go all in on the opener?
ReplyDeleteGood question. I think there is still a place in the game for the ace pitcher who can start the game, eat up 7 innings and give the bullpen a break.
DeleteWhat is the benefit to that Ace pitcher coming in the game in the 2nd inning as opposed to starting the game? For one, the top of the lineup would be handled by an opener who would have the L/R advantage. The Ace would start the game facing a softer part if the lineup and instead of leaving the last 2 innings to the pen he would essentially be handing the ball to the closer after going 7. If you had 2-3 arms you use as openers each game they would likely be more effective in those roles knowing when they would be pitching and that they would be openers exclusively. The back of the pen wouldn’t need to be as deep either. The biggest concern with openers at least in my mind is the wear and tear you put on your pen but with this formula it wouldn’t be as stressful. I hate it but I also can’t argue with that strategy if that is how they are going to play the game going forward.
DeleteI like this explanation of the strategy. I don't hate the Giants using itbecause it's working and because each game feels like a broader team effort.
DeleteI'm not a big fan of relief starter as well, but the combo with Scott Alexander and Beck has been really good!
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