A visibly frustrated Alex Cobb RHP gave up a 3-spot in the third inning and the Giants failed to extend the momentum of the last two wins from the road trip and dropped the first game of a critical midseason homestand.
Mike Krukow's pregame umpire notes had home plate ump Mark Wegner with a tight strike zone. That assessment proved to be accurate with the leadoff batter of the game when Alex Cobb went from 0-2 to a walk on four pitches were probably electronic balls but many ump would call strikes. Cobb kind of spread his arms after ball four indicating some frustration. Then in the pivotal third inning, he just missed getting an inning-ending GIDP. Whether it was the tight strike zone, the failure to turn the GIDP or a fielding error by Luis Gonzalez RF that allowed a runner to advance to 2B, Cobb became even more agitated than after the first batter and needed a visit from Joey Bart C and then another from pitching coach Andrew Bailey to calm him down. By the time he got out of the inning, 3 runs were in and as so often happens with this team, the game was essentially over.
Personally, I thought Wegner's strike zone was both accurate and consistent. Kruk and Kuip seemed to think so too. If you want a glimpse of the future with electronic strike zones, look at this game and realize why most pitchers hate the idea so much.
Cobb settled down and ended up going 6 innings. The winning run was allowed by Mauricio Llovera RHP in the 8'th inning.
Brandon Belt DH went 3 for 3 with a double but did not figure in the scoring.
Wilmer Flores 2B went 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and is 7 for 14 over his last 3 games.
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Logan Webb RHP tries to get the Giants back on the winning track tonight facing Dallas Keuchel LHP.
I'm hopeful that the team can get the crucial hits a bit more often-- it was good drama to see bases loaded with one out in the 8th, only to have a GIDP end the threat. Not sure how clutch hitting or "situational" hitting can be improved, but it would alleviate some of the tension that the team feels in close games. (Interesting how it appeared that more of the close games seemed winnable in April and May).
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