Luis Gonzalez RF/LF led off the game with a massive HR that cleared PNC Park landing on the walkway beyond the RF bleachers. Although Joc Pederson LF added an insurance run in the fourth inning with another solo blast, the leadoff HR was all Carlos Rodon LHP needed as he cut through the Pirates lineup like a hot knife through butter. Camilo Doval RHP cruised through the 9'th inning for his 10'th Save and that was the ballgame.
Gonzalez has emerged as one of the best hitters on this Giants team with a slash line of .303/.366/.444 with 3 HR and 5 SB, but he has options and with Steven Duggar and Lamonte Wade Jr nearing returns from the IL, Gonzalez could yet find himself back in Sacramento due to a numbers crunch. I'm thinking FZ might need to trade another OF to keep Gonzalez on the active roster.
Carlos Rodon threw exactly 98 pitches for the fourth game in a row. This was his longest start of the season by innings. He has an ERA of 1.17 in 23 IP over those last 4 starts all this month. He has pitched 14 scoreless innings over his last 2 starts.
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Alex Wood LHP tries to clinch a series win tomorrow afternoon facing former Giant Jose Quintana LHP.
Not only is Gonzalez in the top 3 on the team in BA, OBP, SLG, OPS, & OPS+, he has more assists than all the other OF-only players put together.
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