The Giants offense erupted for 7 runs in the top of the 13'th inning to break open a deadlocked game and gain a sweep of the two-game series. Game Notes:
Symmetry has always fascinated me and this game was an extremely symmetrical one, at least in the regulation 9 innings. Both teams scored 1 run in the middle inning on HR's by the respective leadoff batters in the lineups. Those matching runs were flanked by 4 shutout innings on either side. Both SP's struck out 9 batters, although Giants ace Kevin Gausman RHP was better by 2 hits 1 walk and 1 IP.
The Giants lone run in regulation came on Mike Yastrzemski RF's only hit, a HR(10) to RF. YtY has 3 HR's in his last 4 games.
Alex Dickerson DH went 3 for 5 with a double but did no figure in the scoring.
Steven Duggar CF had another big day with 3 hits in 6 AB to raise his BA to .325. His double in the 12'th inning gave the Giants a temporary lead and his single in the 13'th busted the game open. He also stole his 5'th base of the season.
Mike Tauchman LF struck out 5 times before hitting a 3-run HR to cap the scoring in the 13'th and put the game into runaway territory.
Kevin Gausman was once again sensational with a line of 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K's to lower his ERA to 1.49 on the season. He, of course did not get the decision.
6 Giants relievers pitched one inning each and did not allow any earned runs. Of course, you can pitch really well when a runner starts off the inning at 2B and still allow unearned runs.
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The Win put the Giants temporarily up on the Dodgers by 3.5 games and the Padres by 5 games with the Padres leading the Dodgers 3-2 in the 7'th inning of their game. The Giants will, of course, maintain the best record in MLB not matter what happens in the Padres-Dodgers game.
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If you were to ask me to describe this Giants team in one word, that word would be "relentless!" They don't let losing streaks get started. They don't give up on games and keep pounding out wins while showing superiority in all 3 phases of the game: hitting, pitching, fielding. The only remaining weak link is the bullpen and even it seems a bit steadier of late.
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The Giants get a day off tomorrow before starting a crossbay series against the A's in Oakland Friday night. The Giants pitchers for the series are scheduled to be Johnny Cueto RHP, Alex Wood LHP and Sammy Long LHP.
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Down on the Farm:
High A:
Ismael Munguia CF- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(4). BA= .281.
Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 4, HR(5). BA= .245.
Low A:
Luis Matos CF- 1 for 3, HR(4), 2 BB. BA= .306.
Ricardo Genoves 1B- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .336.
Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 4, BB, SB(3). BA= .282.
Jairo Pomares RF- 4 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .300.
I know appreciate what Tauchman has done for the team, but I'm ready to move on. Tough thing to say about a guy after he hits a 3 run HR in extra innings, but the bat just isn't there. Wade was sent down while he was finally hitting, I would rather he get the roster spot, especially because his defense has also been capable.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention that Brandon Belt left the game after an apparent leg injury running the bases. That could open up a spot for Wade to come back, although Tommy La Stella is rehabbing now too.
DeleteAfter 74 games the Giants at 48-26 are 1 game ahead of 2016's 47-27.
ReplyDeleteThe 2016 Giants then won 2 of 3 to go 8 games up in the NL West – the acme – before losing 3 in a row against the A's.
2016's weakness was the bullpen, which led to the nadir with the Cubs ignobly bowing out of a winnable playoff.
The 2016 Giants blew 30 saves for the year. At 74 games, the 2021 Giants have 15.
Maybe it is, but 2021's bullpen doesn't "look" better.
I think the minor league signings of Zack Littell has helped the middle relief while Dominic Leone and Jimmy Sherify look promising. Think they still need help closing games. Rogers pitches better in the 8th inning, while McGee has issues pitching on consecutive days. They need a veteran RHP who can help close games. Could John Brebbia be the answer?
ReplyDelete