Game Wrap 5/16/2021: Giants 4 Pirates 1

Took yesterday off from blogging, so we'll pick it up with today's game which had a happier ending than yesterday's debacle.  Alex Wood LHP might have not had his best stuff but turned in another better-than-quality start and this time the bullpen was able to shut it down the rest of the way.  The Giants salvaged a split in the road series in which they should have gone at least 3-1.  Game Notes:

Mike Tauchman CF/LF drew 2 BB's at the top of the order, stole a base and scored 2 runs.   We'll take that from the leadoff spot.  

YtY has scuffled lately, but showed the pop in his bat with a a two-run HR to R-CF to give the Giants a couple of insurance runs in the 9'th inning.  

Buster Posey C reached base 4 times in 5 PA's with 3 singles and a BB.  He did not figure in the scoring. He's hitting .382.

Mauricio Dubon 2B also did not figure in the scoring but had two more hits and made a couple of brilliant defensive plays from 2B.  He's hitting .471 over his last 7 games.  His playing time could take a hit with the approaching return of Donovan Solano IF.

Alex Wood LHP's final line was 6 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 8/2.  He recorded his 5'th win of the season(5-0) something no other Giants pitcher has done recently.

Tyler Rogers RHP got the Save Opp and converted it for his 4'th of the season.  At this point, he should probably be considered at least the co-Closer.  

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The Win left the Giants in first place in the NL West by 0.5 games over the Padres and 2 games over the Dodgers.  The Giants have the best record in the NL and the second best record in MLB.  

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The Giants now move on the Cincinnati which is often a tough place for them to visit.  They start a 4-game series tomorrow evening with Logan Webb RHP facing Sonny Gray RHP.

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Down on the Farm:

Eugene is still playing in the minors so let's go back and look at yesterday's minor league highlights:

AAA:

Bryce Johnson CF- 3 for 5, BB.  BA= .486.

Donovan Solano 2B- 3 for 3, 2B.  BA= 1.000. 

Thairo Estrada SS- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(3), 2 BB.  BA= .395.

Chadwick Tromp C- 1 for 5, HR(2).  BA= .217.

Tyler Beede RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.18.

Scott Kazmir LHP- 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.84.

Donnie Barrels keeps doing his thing in his first rehab appearance.  Very encouraging progression by Tyler Beede coming back from TJ surgery.

AA:

Heliot Ramos CF- 0 for 5.  BA= .289.

David Villar 3B- 3 for 5.  BA= .300.

Vince Fernandez PH- 1 for 1, HR(2).  BA= .280.

After a hot start, Heliot Ramos has cooled off considerably and is now 1 for his last 13 as of this game.

High A:

Marco Luciano SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .184.

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 3, SF, SB(3).  BA= .381.

Prelander Berroa RHP- 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.00.

Luis Moreno RHP- 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.68.

Chris Wright LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 1.93.

Low A:

Patrick Bailey DH- 1 for 5, HR(2).  BA= .262.

Will Wilson SS- 1 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .405.