Game Wrap 5/31/2023: Pirates 9 Giants 4

 The Pirates always seem to play the Giants tough and they roughed up Alex Wood LHP for 6 runs in the 3'rd and 4'th innings to put this one away early for a series win.  Key Lines:

The Giants got a total of 12 hits including 2 each from Lamonte Wade Jr 1B(.271), J. D. Davis 3B(.282), Blake Sabol LF(.262) and Patrick Bailey C(.333).  LMWJ had a 2B and Mike Yastrzemski CF added a triple.  They weren't able to keep the line moving enough to overcome the Pirates early scoring.

Luke Jackson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  Jackson makes his first appearance as a Giant a success but in a losing cause.

The loss dropped the Giants back to .500 and 1 game off the pace for the final Wild Card playoff spot.

The Giants get a rare day off at home before a weekend series against the Orioles with Logan Webb RHP starting Friday night against Dean Kremer RHP.

Michael Conforto's heel injury seems to be worse than initially thought.  He is DTD after X-rays and an MRI showed no structural damage.

Down on the Farm: 5/30/2023

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Tacoma Rainiers 4-1.

Luis Matos CF- 3 for 5.  BA= .340.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 5, SB(8).  BA= .309.

Ford Proctor 1B- 1 for 2, 3 BB, SB(2).  BA= .230.

Will Wilson 2B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .213.

Colton Welker DH- 2 for 5, 2 SB(2).  BA= .292.

Keaton Winn RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.82.

Chris Wright LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.14.

AA:  Erie Seawolves destroyed the Richmond Flying Squirrels 11-1.

Carter Williams LF- 1 for 3, HR(5).  BA= .231.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.24.

A+:  Vancouver Canadians topped the Eugene Emeralds 4-2.

Grant McCray CF- 0 for 2, 2 BB, SB(21).  BA= .229.

Ghordy Santos DH- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .200.

Ben Madison RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.13.

Carter Howell LF makes his first start in A+ ball, gets a hit and steals a base.  He's another NDFA from 2022 who seems like a dynamic player in the Vaun Brown mold. His final line for SJ:  .337/.398/.500, 9 2B, 4 3B, 4 HR, 8 SB.  Like Brown last season he was old for the league at age 24.

A:  San Jose Giants DNP due to playing on Memorial Day yesterday.

Game Wrap 5/30/2023: Pirates 2 Giants 1

Now THAT was a frustrating game!  Giants got 12 runners on base and only one scored.  Meanwhile, the Pirates winning run was unearned in the 5'th inning off Sean Manaea who pitched really well.  Ugh!  Key Lines:

Sean Manaea LHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.89.  Manaea's pitching line over his last 3 appearances:  9 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 14 K.  If the Giants coaches have fixed Manaea, the Giants will be OK going forward.

Oh, Patrick Bailey C went 0 for 4 despite a couple of loud foul balls but he also made nifty pickoff throw to 1B to end the awful 5'th inning.

Churn Watch:  Giants activated Luke Jackson RHP off the IL.  Corresponding moves were David Villar IF optioned to AAA Sacramento and Matt Beaty 1B/LF/DH DFA'd off the 40-man roster.

Alex Wood LHP tries for a series win tomorrow afternoon against Mitch Keller RHP.

Down on the Farm: 5/29/2023

A:  San Jose Giants outlasted the Fresno Grizzlies 4-3(10 innings).

Diego Velasquez 2B- 0 for 3, 2 BB, SB(7).  BA= .314.

Tanner O'Tremba LF- 2 for 4.  BA= .275.

Thomas Gavello C- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .273.

Dilan Rosario 3B- 2 for 4.  BA= .220.

Hayden Wynja LHP- 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.50.  

Tyler Vogel RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.13.

It's time to add Hayden Wynja to the official deep sleeper list.   Non-drafted free agent but 6' 9" LHP's don't grow on trees and his numbers are improving as the season progresses.  His pitching line over his last 5 appearances:  1-0, 2.94, 15.1 IP, 6 BB, 19 K's.  

Game Wrap 5/29/2023: Giants 14 Pirates 4

The Giants offense overwhelmed Rich Hill LHP and  the Pirates in a runaway win.  Key Lines:

Austin Slater LF- 3 for 6, 2B, HR(1). BA= .400.  Is it too much to attribute the Giants early season struggles against LHP's as due to Slater missing much of it with various injuries?  The man is an animal against LHP's.  No less than Clayton Kershaw LHP named him as one if the toughest batters for him to face and the numbers back him up. Stay healthy Austin Slater!

J. D. Davis 3B- 2 for 4, BB, SB(1).  BA= .278.  Davis stays hot and even stole a base.

Mitch Haniger RF- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .255.  Haniger also missed most of the first month of the season and it took him a couple of weeks to get his timing down.  Between Slater, Davis and Haniger, the Giants should be alright against LHP's going forward.

Casey Schmitt 2B/SS- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .342.  Not sure how long the magic will last but add Schmitt to the list of RH hitters who should help the Giants against LHP's.  I will say he raked at every level in the minors and sustained it so maybe he's just that guy.

Patrick Bailey C- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(2).  BA= .355.  Speaking of magic....The Giants reportedly thought Bailey would hit better in the majors due to struggles adjusting to automatic strike zone in the minors.  Maybe they were right?  BTW, the HR was hit LH against a RHP.  At this point, I think Bailey is the undisputed #1 catcher until he proves he's not much as I want to root for Joey Bart C.

Brandon Crawford SS- 3 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .202.  Crawford started against a LHP and delivered from the same side of the plate after getting quite a bit of time off last week.  Giants now have the luxury of giving Crawford the rest a veteran SS needs to stay quick and strong.

Anthony DeSclafani RHP- 7 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.48.  Alex Cobb RHP doesn't want to hear about Tony D's first inning today:  Line drive double, Line out to CF, Flyout to LF with runner doubled off 2B.  3 pitches, 3 outs.  After the 2'nd inning he was pitching downhill and the Pirates never seriously threatened the Giants lead.

Taylor Rogers LHP pitched a scoreless 8'th frame and Brett Wisely LHP mopped up in the 9'th allowing just a solo HR.

With the Win, the Giants moved into a tie with the Marlins for the #5 and 6 seeds in the playoff race.  They will likely remain 4.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West as the Dodgers lead the Nationals 6-1 late in their game as of this post.

Churn Watch:  Tristan Beck RHP was optioned to AAA Sacramento to make room on the active roster for Austin Slater.  That makes sense as Beck pitched 6.1 innings in the past 3 days so would not be available for several days and the pen is relatively rested.  Look for Bryce Johnson CF to go down when the Giants need an extra pitcher.

Speaking of the pen and needing an extra pitcher.....John Brebbia RHP opens tomorrow evening's game facing Johan Oviedo RHP.

Down on the Farm: 5/28/2023

 AAA:  Oklahoma City Dodgers beat the Sacramento River Cats 8-3.

Luis Matos CF- 1 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .313.

Jacob Nottingham C- 2 for 4.  BA= .235.

Will Wilson 2B- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .206.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.67.  

Cole Waites RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.63.

Luke Jackson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 8.31.

Walks and pitch counts continue to be in issue for Harrison.  He threw 74 pitches in his 3.2 IP in this one.  I read on Twitter that Luke Jackson is eligible to come off the IL as of today.

AA:  Binghamton Rumble Ponies outlasted the Richmond Flying Squirrels 10-9(10 innings).

Marco Luciano DH- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SF.  BA= .176.

Andy Thomas C- 1 for 5, HR(4), SF.  BA= .218.

Brady Whalen LF- 2 for 4, HR(2), HBP, SB(1).  BA= .333.

Riley Mahan 1B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .208.

Hayden Cantrelle 2B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .233.

Carter Williams RF- 2 for 5, HR(4).  BA- .227.

Simon Whiteman SS- 2 for 4, 3B, BB.  BA= .212.

Parker Dunshee RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 9.00.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.70.

Maybe moving to leadoff in the lineup is what Luciano needs to get him going?

A+:  Everett Aquasox outscored the Eugene Emeralds 11-8.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .231.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 4, BB.  BA= .212.

Logan Wyatt 1B- 2 for 4, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .266.

Adrian Sugastey C- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .309.

A:  San Jose Giants defeated the Modesto Nuts 11-7. 

Andrew Kachel 3B- 3 for 5, 2B, SF.  BA= .311.

Onil Perez C- 2 for 5.  BA= .311.

Jose Ramos SS- 2 for 4, 2B, Sac.  BA= .209.

Zach Morgan 1B- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .218.

Patrick Hilson RF- 2 for 4, BB, SB(2).  BA= .259.

Alexander Suarez CF- 4 for 5, 2B, HR(2).  BA= .262.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 4.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 7/4.  ERA= 2.43.

Luis Moreno RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.52.  

Game Wrap 5/28/2023: Brewers 7 Giants 5

The Giants came out flat as they are sometimes known to do for getaway games and late rally fell short.  Key Lines:

Mike Yastrzemski CF- 1 for 3, HR(6), Sac.  BA= .265.  A big key for the Giants is for YtY to not let a trip to the IL derail the rest of his season.  So how has he been doing since coming off the IL?  Happy you asked!  .308/.333/.500 over his last 7 games.

Mike Conforto RF- 2 for 3, HBP.  BA= .244.  Conforto is hitting .423 over his last 7 games.

Mitch Haniger LF- 1 for 4.  BA= .238.  With 2 outs and runners on first and second in the first inning, Haniger hit a line shot tot he right side but right into the glove of Rowdy Tellez 1B.  That kind of set the tone for the game.

Blake Sabol C- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .244.  Sabol got the Giants within 2 runs with one swing of the bat for a 3-run HR in the 7'th inning.  Sabol has been struggling but this is why the Giants need to find a way to keep him all season.  That will be a challenge when everybody is healthy.  

Alex Cobb RHP- 4 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 4 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.05.  Cobb came out struggling with his command which was not helped by umps who squeezed him at home plate and called him for a disengagement and a balk that even Shawn Estes couldn't figure out while reviewing replays. Credit to Cobb to pull it together and pitch 2 more scoreless frames and save the bullpen.

Tristan Beck RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 4/1.  ERA= 4.10.  Beck is playing a valuable role in the bullpen while gaining tremendous experience at the MLB level and he's getting better with each appearance.  His ERA for May is 2.89 in 18.2 IP with 17 K's and just 1 BB.  He pitched 6.1 scoreless frames in 3 days in this series alone.

Ryan Walker RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 2/0.  ERA= 0.00.  And how about this Walker kid and his extreme crossfire delivery?  He might get sent down when Luke Jackson RHP comes off the IL but he looks like he'll be back if so.

The Loss dropped the Giants to the 6'th seed position in the Wild Card race but they remain 4.5 games behind the Dodgers who lost to the Rays 11-10 in the NL West.  

The Giants start a homestand with a 3-game series against Pirates tomorrow afternoon with Anthony DeSclafani RHP facing 43 yo Rich Hill LHP in game 1.

Down on the Farm: 5/27/2023

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats edged out the Oklahoma City Dodgers 2-1.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(6).  BA= .305.

Drew Strotman RHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 7.36.

Nick Swiney LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.52.

Joey Marciano LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 6.20.

Erik Miller LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(2).  ERA= 3.00.

AA:  Binghamton Rumble Ponies defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-4.

Vaun Brown DH- 1 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .333.

Promotions are an essential part of managing a farm system but teams with players who move up tend to struggle after.  The good news promotions open up opportunity for another player coming up from lower levels.

A+:  Everett Aquasox beat the Eugene Emeralds 4-2(Game1 of DH, 7 innings).

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .211.

John Bertrand LHP- 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.50.

Ben Madison RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.71.

Ditto promotions.

A+:  Everett Aquasox outscored the Eugene Emeralds 8-6(Game 2 of DH, 7 innings).

Damon Dues SS- 3 for 4, 2 2B, SB(12).  BA= .295.

Logan Wyatt 1B- 3 for 4.  BA= .260.

Jose Cruz RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.62.

A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Modesto Nuts 7-1.

Carter Howell CF- 2 for 5, HR(4).  BA= .337.

Tanner O'Tremba LF- 2 for 3, 2B, HBP.  BA= .270.

Jose Ramos SS- 1 for 4, 3B.  BA= .201.

Andrew Kachel 2B- 1 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .299.

Zach Morgan C- 2 for 4, 3B.  BA= .206.

Reggie Crawford LHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Esmerlin Vinicio LHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.91.

Gerelmi Maldonado RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 5.14.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.45.

Last year's first round draft prospect, Reggie Crawford, makes his pro pitching debut and it was successful.

Game Wrap 5/27/2023: Giants 3 Brewers 1

Mitch Haniger broke up a pitching duel with a 2-run HR in the 8'th inning to lead the Giants to another win.  Key Lines: 

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 1 for 4.  BA= .265.  LMWJ singled to open the game.  He advanced to 2B on a walk to J. D. Davis 3B, took 3B on an attempted pickoff throw that skipped into CF and score on Michael Conforto RF's Sac Fly.

Mitch Haniger LF- 3 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .237.  After the Brewers tied the score in the 7'th inning, J. D. Davis singled with one out int the 8'th inning which set the stage for heroics by Michael Conforto who was facing a RH reliever.  Alas Conforto struck out but then Haniger picked him up with a blast over the CF fence to put the Giants up 3-1 and you really had to know it was over at that point.  It was Haniger's second HR in as many games as well as his second 3-hit game.  He is 9 for 25 over his last 6 games.  I'll say it again, if the Giants can get Conforto and Haniger healthy and productive in the middle of the lineup, the Giants will be in great shape going forward.

Logan Webb RHP- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 11 K, GO/AO= 6/1.  ERA= 2.75.   Another stellar pitching performance by Webb.  It was his 7'th consecutive QS and 4 consecutive start where he gave up 1 or less runs.

Tyler Rogers RHP and Camilo Doval RHP pitched scoreless 8'th and 9'th innings with Doval earning his 13'th Save.

Thairo Estrada UT hit the IL with what sounds like a mild wrist sprain.  David Villar IF was called up to replace Estrada on the active roster.

Alex Cobb RHP tries for the 4-game ssswweeeeep tomorrow facing Colin Rea RHP.

Down on the Farm: 5/26/2023

 AAA:  Oklahoma City Dodgers topped the Sacramento River Cats 5-4.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .291.

Jacob Nottingham C- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .219.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 6-1.  ERA= 2.84.

Luke Jackson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 10.80.

Chris Wright LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.68.

Churn Watch:  Jacob Nottingham, the pride of Redlands(CA) HS was acquired via trade with who else?  The Mariners!  MLBTR did not know the terms of the deal.  Nottingham was not on the Mariners 40 man roster so no corresponding roster moves.  Meanwhile, Cal Stevenson OF, memba him?  He was claimed off waivers by the Phillies.  

AA:  Binghamton Rumble Ponies stampeded the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-2.

Vaun Brown CF- 2 for 4.  BA= .350.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.49.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.66.

Juan Sanchez has only allowed ER in 3 out of 13 appearances over 21.2 IP on the season.  Randy Rodriguez has a 0.71 ERA over 12.2 IP in 7 appearances in May.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds outscored the Everett Aquasox 8-6.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, BB, 2 SB(19).  BA= .222.

Logan Wyatt 1B- 1 for 4, HR(7).  BA= .252.

Adrian Sugastey C- 2 for 4, 2 HR(4).  BA= .302.

Jimmy Glowenke 3B- 2 for 3 2B, BB.  BA= .342.

Ghordy Santos LF- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .174.

Eric Silva RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.88.

Mat Olsen RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.60.

Hunter Dula RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 1.59.

Tyler Myrick RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K, Save(5).  ERA= 1.15.

Grant McCray's slash line for May is .284/.379/.523.  Don't sleep on Adrian Sugastey as a catching prospect.

A:  Modesto Nuts crushed the San Jose Giants 9-2.  

Diego Velasquez 2B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .329.

Jack Choate LHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.61.

We've said it before but Velasquez continues to emerge as a serious SS prospect.

Game Wrap 5/26/2023: Giants 15 Brewers 1

 Mitch Haniger broke out of his slump and the kids at the bottom of the lineup raked as the Giants busted down the door to a winning record on the season.  Key Lines:

Mitch Haniger LF- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(3).  BA= .215.  We've been saying for awhile now, getting Haniger going is a big key to sustained winning for this team.  He broke out in a big way tonight as he followed a leadoff walk by Michael Conforto RF in the second inning with a 2-run HR for the Giants first two runs.  He ended up with 2 runs scored and 4 RBI's.   Let's see if this is the start of some great baseball.

J. D. Davis 3B- 3 for 6, 2 2B, HR(9).  BA= .278.  No signs that J. D. Davis is slowing down on offense.  He has had some a few errors at 3B amidst generally stellar defense.  What a steal of a trade by FZ!

Mike Yastrzemski CF/RF- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .264.  YtY seems like he's found his groove again after the injury layoff.  That is also a huge key to sustained winning.  Oh and BTW, we had a Debbie Downer in the comments a few days ago complaining that he is too slow to play CF, but we've seen him cover a whole lot of ground and make some plays only elite CF's make in the last few days too.  If YtY keeps playing and hitting at his current level I have no problem with him completing the season as the strong side CF platoon.

Casey Schmitt SS- 2 for 5.  BA= .343.  Right now Casey Schmitt is unquestionably the best SS on the roster on both sides of the ball.  Kap basically said so when asked about this being something like the 3'rd game out of 4 where he's started against RHP's.

Patrick Bailey C- 4 for 5, 2B.  BA= .364.  Gotta also think Bailey is now the unquestioned first string catcher until he proves he can't sustain it.

Brett Wisely 2B- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(3).  BA= .194.  The BA is ugly but Wisely scoots around pretty good on defense and hits just enough to be a nice utility option in the middle IF and OF.  Another wise pickup by FZ.

Alex Wood LHP- 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 5 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 6/2.  ERA= 3.51.  Giants got about what you expect to get out of a healthy Wood.  It does help to pitch with a 9-run lead.

Tristan Beck RHP- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(1).  ERA= 4.63.  Valuable experience for Beck while eating up innings after yesterday's bullpen game.  Ha ha!  He gets credit for the Save because he went more at least 3 innings.  BTW, his ERA is 3.45 in 15.2 IP in the month of May.

Logan Webb RHP tries to clinch another series win tomorrow afternoon against Corbin Burnes RHP.

Down on the Farm: 5/25/2023

AAA:  Oklahoma City Dodgers defeated the Sacramento River Cats 11-4.

Luis Matos CF- 3 for 4, BB, 2 SB(2).  BA= .361.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 4, BB, 2 SB(5).  BA= .288.

Will Wilson 2B- 1 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .204.

AA:  Binghamtom Rumble Ponies edged out the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1.

Brady Whalen LF- 3 for 4, 3B, HR(1).  BA= .333.

Landon Roupp RHP- 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.08.

Blake Rivera RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 1.59.

Carson Seymour RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 7/4.  ERA= 2.94.

Who is Brady Whalen, you ask?  Offseason minor league FA signing who has been on the IL.  25 yo, 6' 6" 1B/OF, B-L, T-R.  Drafted by Cardinals in 2016 round 12.  

A+:  Everett Aquasox outscored the Eugene Emeralds 11-7.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 2 for 5, 3B.  BA= .209.

Victor Bericoto RF- 3 for 4, 2 2B, SF.  BA= .301.

Logan Wyatt 1B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .252.

Jared Dupere DH- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .259.

Jimmy Glowenke 2B- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(3).  BA= .329.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 1.77.

Nick Morreale RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.43.

A:  Modesto Nuts crushed the San Jose Giants 11-2.

Carter Howell CF- 2 for 4, SB(8).  BA= .339.

Diego Velasquez SS- 1 for 4, SB(6).  BA= .324.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 3 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 1.78.

Game Wrap 5/25/2023: Giants 5 Brewers 0

 The Giants used a bullpen game to shut down the Brewers and the lineup broke open a 1-0 game in the 8'th inning.  Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 3 for 5, SB(2).  BA= .277.  As the leadoff batter in the lineup with 3 hits, LMWJ drove in a run but did not score.  What is the metaphor for table setting fail?  Wade Jr is setting the table but no food is being served?

Michael Conforto RF- 4 for 4, HR(11), BB, SB(2).  BA= .239.  Much like LMWJ, Conforto reached base 5 times but the only scoring he was involved in was his solo HR in the 8'th inning.  He is hitting .364 with 7 HR over his last 15 games. Fun Fact:  Did you know that Michael Conforto's mother won a gold medal in synchronized swimming in the 1984 Olympics in LA?

Casey Schmitt SS- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(2).  Slash Line = .339/.339/.516.  "I hit the bad pitches so good, why wait for a good one". Yogi Berra(maybe), paraphrased by Shawn Estes on the broadcast.

I am not going to post all 6 pitching lines but all 6 were terrific.  I thought Taylor Rogers(1.1 IP, 3 K's), Jake Junis(2.1 IP, 4 K's) and Sean Manaea(1.1 IP, 3 K's) were particularly impressive.

The Giants get back to .500 one game after falling off.

Alex Wood LHP tries to get the Giants above .500 for the first time this season tomorrow evening against Freddy Peralta RHP.

Down on the Farm: 5/24/2023

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats outlasted the Oklahoma City Dodgers 6-5(10 innings).

David Villar 3B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .292.

Ricardo Genoves C- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .264.

Keaton Winn RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 5.40.

Luke Jackson RHP- 0.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 15.43.

Joey Marciano LHP- 2.1 IP,  0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 6.75.

Melvin Adon RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.87.

Nick Avila RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Win(6-0).  ERA= 3.38.

Luke Jackson hits a speed bump in his rehab assignment.  Ryan Walker's performance makes his return less of a pressing issue.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Binghamton Rumble Ponies 7-2.

Hayden Cantrelle 3B- 3 for 4, 2 HR(3).  BA= .243.

Ryan Murphy RHP- 3.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.434.

Will Jensen RHP- 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.00.

Matt Frisbee RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB,  1 K.  ERA= 4.74.

A+:  Everett Aquasox edged out the Eugene Emeralds 3-2.

Logan Wyatt 1B- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .244.

Jared Dupere LF- 2 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .246.

Damon Dues DH- 3 for 4, 2B, SB(10).  BA= .293.

Mike Mikulski LHP- 3.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 7.33.

Ben Madison RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.21.

Ryan Weber RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 5.40.

A:  San Jose Giants topped the Modesto Nuts 6-5.

Carter Howell CF- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(3).  BA= .335.

Diego Velasquez 2B- 1 for 3, BB, SF, SB(5).  BA= .326.

Onil Perez C- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .323.

Hayden Wynja LHP- 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.32.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 2.55.

Nomar Medina LHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.07.

Game Wrap 5/24/2023: Twins 7 Giants 1

 The Giants played lousy defense but Anthony DeSclafani RHP did not pitch well as the Giants fell back below .500.

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B and Thairo Estrada 2B reached base 5 times in 10 PA's but did not score as the 3, 4 and 5 hitters went a combined 1 for 14, BB.  

4 of the Giants 10 hits were 2B and they added 4 walks.  IDK what the projected scoring is for that but it sure seems like it should be more than 1 run.  2 for 16 with RISP might have had something to do with it.

Ryan Walker RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  I didn't see the game because I was at work but by all accounts, Walker's appearance was dominant and then some.  A reliever who can do that for 2 innings is incredibly valuable.

Taylor Rogers LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.80.  Rogers is obviously at the bottom of Kap's trust ranking right now but has a 1.50 ERA in 6 IP, over his last 7 appearances.

The Giants move on to Milwaukee for a 4 gamer against the BrewCrew with Scott Alexander LHP Opening tomorrow against TBD.

Down on the Farm: 5/23/2023

 AAA:  Oklahoma City Dodgers defeated the Sacramento River Cats 7-4.

Isan Diaz 2B- 1 for 5, HR(2).  BA= .375.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 4.11.

It won't be long.......

AA:  Binghampton Rumble Ponies outscored the Richmond Flying Squirrels 8-6.

Wade Meckler LF- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .333.

Vaun Brown CF- 2 for 5, 3B.  BA= .333.

Marco Luciano SS- 0 for 2, 3 BB, SB(2).  BA= .170.

Carter Aldrete RF- 2 for 4.  BA= .273.

Brett Auerbach 2B- 3 for 4, SB(5).  BA= .149.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Everett Aquasox 6-5.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 3, HR(5), BB.  BA= .208.

Damon Dues 2B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(9).  BA= .273.

Jose Cruz RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.88.

Mat Olsen RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 6.32.

Joe Kemlage LHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.72.

A:  San Jose Giants edged out the Modesto Nuts 3-2.

Diego Velasquez SS- 3 for 3, HBP.  BA= .326.

Matt Higgins LF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .319.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 3.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.23.

Tyler Vogel RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(3).  ERA= 4.50.

Game Wrap 5/23/2023: Giants 4 Twins 3

The Giants lineup used patience and power to give Alex Cobb just enough support for his fourth Win of the season and got the Giants to .500 for the first time since they were 3-3 on April 6 per Tom Dierberger of NBC Bay Sports Bay Area.  Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .258.  Wade Jr came out of yesterday's game early for a mild jam of the thumb after a shattered bat ground out.  It didn't seem to bother him today although he did not figure in the scoring.

Michael Conforto RF- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(10).  BA= .219.  First Giants batter to double digit HR's.  Conforto is on fire and practically carrying the team right now.  His oppo field drive in the 7'th inning just cleared the wall and fence in LF as the Twins LF watched helplessly.  The HR put the Giants up by one, a lead they did not give up.  His double helped set up the 2-run 6'th inning which included 4 walks including 2-out walks to Patrick Bailey C and Bryce Johnson CF to drive in the Giants first two runs.

Alex Cobb RHP- 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 8 K', GO/AO= 8/3.  ERA= 2.17.  Cobb was once again ace level except for a balky splitter which he hung twice for a 2-run HR to Buxton and a solo HR to Michael Taylor.  Hey!  He and Twins SP Sonny Gray RHP came into the game leading MLB's SP's in ERA and Cobb outpitched Gray.

Scott Alexander LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 4.42.  Alexander has allowed just 1 ER in his last 7 appearances and now seems like the #1 LHP out of but bullpen.  It's take awhile but Kap seems to have made a lot of progress in sorting out who he can rely on and when.  Of course it helps when the players rise to the role and get the job done.

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, HBP, 3 K's, Save(13).  ERA= 1.99.  Totally dominant Save after getting a breather last night.

Anthony DeSclafani RHP goes for the Sweeeeeepppp!  Tomorrow at 10 AM PT facing Joe Ryan RHP.

Game Wrap 5/22/2023: Giants 4 Twins 1

The Giants scored 4 runs before the first out of the game was recorded and made it stand up for their first ever win in Target Field.  Key Lines:

J. D. Davis DH- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .287.  Lamonte Wade Jr. 1B led off the game with, what else?  As walk.  Mike Yastrezemski CF followed with another walk before J. D. Davis smashed one off the LF wall for a double to drive in LMWJ, which brought Michael Conforto to the plate......

Michael Conforto RF- 1 for 3, HR(9), BB.  BA= .213.  Conforto blasted his team-leading 9'th HR to plate to bring home the Giants 2'nd, 3'rd and 4'th runs and final runs of the game all with no outs in the first inning.  Conforto is slashing .308/.345/.654 with 3 HR's over his last 7 games.

Blake Sabol LF- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .281.  Nice line for Sabol although he did not figure in the scoring.

Sean Manaea LHP- 3.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 6.89.  A 4-run lead surely helps but we've see those go up in smoke this season.  John Brebbia RHP opened the game with a scoreless first inning then Manaea came in and looked like a different pitcher than we've see up to now.  95-98 MPH on the fastball with good movement and command.  Getting Manaea on track into a good groove would skyrocket the Giants outlook for the rest of the season.

Tristan Beck RHP- 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.40.  And Beck looked sharp while taking the game into the 8'th inning.  He might be the guy who gets sent down when Luke Jackson RHP comes off the IL but he looks like he can pitch in the major leagues.

Scott Alexander LHP pitched a scoreless 9'th inning for the Save and giving Camilo Doval RHP a day off.

Alex Cobb RHP tries to clinch a series win tomorrow evening facing Twins ace Sonny Gray RHP.

Down on the Farm: 5/21/2023

 AAA:  Reno Aces pounded the Sacramento River Cats 10-5(6 innings)l

Luis Matos RF- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .409.

Isan Diaz 2B- 2 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .667.

Matt Beaty DH- 2 for 3, HR(4).  BA= .276.

An Isan Diaz sighting!  Game was called early due to wet grounds.  River Cats pitchers should be happy to be getting out of Reno.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Akron Rubber Ducks 5-3.

Wade Meckler CF- 0 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .333.

Marco Luciano SS- 2 for 4, HR(4), SB(1).  BA= .176.

Carter Aldrete LF- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .266.

Andy Thomas DH- 2 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .204.

Mason Black RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.60.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.84.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.78.

Raymond Burgos LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.96.

The HR by Luciano was a line drive that carried over the LF wall.  7 of his 9 hits have gone for XBH's with 4 HR's.

A+:  Hillsboro Hops topped the Eugene Emeralds 6-5.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .224.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 2, HR(4), 2 BB.  BA= .206.

John Bertand LHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K.  ERA= 3.27.

A:  Stockton Ports outlasted the San Jose Giants 12-10(12 innigs).

Carter Howell CF- 4 for 7, HR(2), SB(7).  BA= .329.

Diego Velasquez 2B- 2 for 5, Sac, HBP.  BA= .311.

Matt Higgins LF- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(6), 2 BB.  BA= .313.

Andrew Kachel 1B- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(2), BB.  BA= .303.

Gerelmi Maldonado RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 5.63.

10 of the 22 runs scored in this game came in extra innings. Giants scored 3 runs in the top of the 12'th but gave up 5 in the bottom of the inning.

Game Wrap 5/21/2023: Giants 7 Marlins 5

Patrick Bailey hit is first MLB HR and Ryan Walker was credited with his first MLB Win to lead the Giants to a series win.  Key Lines:

Thairo Estrada 2B- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .309.  Batting Wilmer Flores 1B and Thairo 1, 2 in the lineup didn't work out as hoped as they both struck out to start the first inning but Thairo doubled later in the game to drive in a run and eventually score one.

J. D. Davis DH- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(8), BB.  BA= .288.  Davis has cooled off some from April but can still put a charge in the ball, especially against LHP's.

Mitch Haniger LF- 2 for 4, SB(1).  BA= .211.  Haniger is 6 for 20 over his last 6 games.  

Casey Schmitt 3B- 2 for 4, SB(1).  BA= .383.  Schmitt stays hot.

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 3, HR(1), Sac.  BA= .333.  The HR went deep into the LF bleachers.  He added a squeeze bunt to drive in another run later in the game.  Look like a veteran behind the plate.

Alex Wood LHP- 4.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.05.  I don't have the data but it looked like the home plate ump was squeezing everybody in this game which may account for some of the scoring.  By contrast, Hunter Wendelstedt was calling pitches strikes that were at least 4 inches off the plate in yesterday's game.

Ryan Walker RHP- 1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 0.00.  Walker has an extreme crossover step but still unleashes a high-90's FB and looks like he can put it on the corners.  The ump might have squeezed him the most of any of today's pitchers.  I guess not surprising since he's a rook.  He's got a tight slurvy looking slider to back it up.  That combo should play.  The two hits he gave up in the 6'th inning were of the infield variety.  The single to lead off the 7'th was a punch to LF by light-hitting Xavier Edwards. Giants may have found themselves a nice bullpen arm.

 

Jakob Junis RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.50.  Junis came into the game in the 7'th with a runner on and no-outs.  He promptly got a GIDP and completed 2 shutdown innings.  He's now pitched 4 scoreless innings in his last 3 appearances.  

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(12).  ERA= 2.08.  After recording just 3 Saves in April, Doval has run off  9 this month in 9 opportunities.  He's allowed just 1 ER in 10.2 IP this month.  Doval is on a pace to make 77 appearances on the season.  Not terrible but probably needs to dial back a bit but that should come with the normal ebb and flow of the season. Hopefully the Giants can find 1 or 2 guys who can serve as reliable back up Closers.

The Giants head to Minnesota without the benefit of a travel day.  John Brebbia RHP opens the series as an Opener facing 6' 9" Bailey Ober RHP.

Down on the Farm: 5/20/2023

AAA:  Reno Aces destroyed the Sacramento River Cats 17-3.

Will Wilson SS- 1 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .205.

 Hey! That was the score of the Tony Cloniger game but there were no grand slams involved.  Believe it or not, Will Wilson hit the only HR of the game.  The Aces put together their scoring with 18 hits, 11 BB's, SF and HBP.  4 of the 18 hits were doubles.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Akron Rubber Ducks 6-4.

Wade Meckler RF- 2 for 5.  BA= .368.

Vaun Brown CF- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .286.

Hayden Cantrelle 3B- 1 for 1, 2 BB, 2 SB(8).  BA= .229.

Blake Rivera RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 1.72.

Evan Gates RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(4).  ERA= 3.60.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds pounded the Hillsboro Hops 10-1.  

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, HR(7), BB, SB(16).  BA= .215.

Aeverson Arteaga DH- 2 for 5, HR(3).  BA= .201.

Adrian Sugastey C- 2 for 3, BB, SB(1).  BA= .308.

Luis Toribio 3B- 1 for 4, HR(8).  BA= .261.

Eric Silva RHP- 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.67.

After a slow April, Grant McCray is slashing .286/.367/.571 with 6 of his 7 HR's.  The Giants potential future catching logjam extends beyond Bart, Sabol and Bailey.  Two of the better performing positional players at A+ and A levels are Adrian Sugastey and Onil Perez C who are both young for the leagues and have and years of development before they are Rule 5 eligible.

A: San Jose Giants outlasted the Stockton Ports 7-6(10 innings). 

Carter Howell CF- 2 for 6, SB(6).  BA= .318.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 5, 2B, BB.  BA= .308.

Onil Perez DH- 2 for 6, 2B, SB(6).  BA= .350.

Andrew Kachel 2B- 2 for 4, BB, SB(2).  BA= .288.

Dilan Rosario 3B- 2 for 5.  BA= .182.

Garrett Frechette 1B- 2 for 5. BA= .218.

Daniel Blair RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.74.

Jack Choate LHP- 3 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.89.

Game Wrap 5/20/2023: Marlins 1 Giants 0

 Logan Webb once again pitched like an ace and once again it wasn't enough as the offense failed to mount so much as a serious threat against Braxton Garrett LHP and 3 Marlins relievers.  Key Lines:

Logan Webb 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K's, GO/AO= 8/0.  ERA= 2.91.  

The Giants managed just 3 hits and a walk. Two of those hits were by Patrick Bailey C and Bryce Johnson CF at the bottom of the lineup with Bailey's being his first MLB knock.  

My only other comment is I might have left Jakob Junis RHP in for at least 1 more inning in tie ballgame rather than going to Tyler Rogers RHP in the 8'th the day after he worked 1.1 IP the night before.  But this game is on the hitters. 

Alex Wood LHP tries for a series win tomorrow against Jesus Luzardo LHP.

And remember Thomas Szapucki LHP?  He underwent thoracic outlet surgery.

Down on the Farm: 5/19/2023

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Reno Aces 7-3.

Luis Matos CF- 3 for 5, 3B.  BA= .357.

David Villar 2B- 1 for 5, HR(2).  BA= .182.

Clint Coulter RF- 2 for 5, 2 HR(3).  BA= .250.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 6/2.  ERA= 1.80.

Nick Avila RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.57.

Erik Miller LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 3.86. 

After going 0 for 5 in his first AAA game, Luis Matos is 5 for 9 with a 2B and 3B in his next two.

AA:  Akron Rubber Ducks outscored the Richmond Flying Squirrels 11-9.

Carter Aldrete LF- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(5).  BA= .267.

Riley Mahan 1B- 2 for 5, 2 HR(6).  BA= .214.

Carter Williams RF- 3 for 5.  BA= .234.

Landon Roupp RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 1.50.

Carson Seymour RHP- 3.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 7/1.  ERA= 3.34.

Will Jensen RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.90.

A+:  Hillsboro Hops outlasted the Eugene Emeralds 5-3(10 inings).

Grant McCray CF- 0 for 3, 3 BB, 2 SB(15).  BA= .207.

Jared Dupere LF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .252.

Adrian Sugastey C- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .297.

Jose Cruz RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.19.

Joe Kemlage LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.24.

A: San Jose Giants overwhelmed the Stockton Ports 14-4.

Carter Howell RF/CF- 3 for 6, 2 2B, 3B.  BA= .317.

Diego Velasquez 2B- 2 for 6.  BA= .304.

Matt Higgins 1B/LF- 4 for 6, 2 HR(5).  BA= .315.

Thomas Gavello 3B- 1 for 5, HR(7).  BA= .299.

Jose Ramos SS- 1 for 5, HR(1).  BA= .219.

Zach Morgan C- 3 for 4, HR(2), BB.  BA= .221.

Patrick Hilson DH- 3 for 4, HR(2), BB.  BA= .263.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 1.65.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.78.

Luis Moreno RHP- 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Game Wrap 5/19/2023: Giants 4 Marlins 3

The Giants broke through for 3 runs off reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara RHP in the 6'th inning for a 4-2 lead and held on for their fourth win in a row.  Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 0 for 3, BB.  BA= .264.  LMWJ did what he does best which is lead off the 6'th inning with a walk that started the winning rally.  Thairo Estrada 2B followed with a dribbler that Alcantara should have held but instead he threw it into the RF corner to put runners at 2'nd and 3'rd with no outs.  J. D. Davis DH and Michael Conforto  LF followed with Sac Flies.  Mitch Haniger LF kept it going with a single, Mike Yastrzemski CF walked and Casey Schmitt 3B smashed a single off the SS to drive in what proved to be the winning run.

Conforto and Haniger teamed up for with a 2-out single/double combo to produce the Giants first run and lead in the 4'th inning.  Conforto has been hitting better for awhile.  Hopefully this is a breakthrough game for Haniger.  The Giants need those two to produce if they are going to comeback from their slow start to the season.

Anthony DeSclafani RHP- 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.09.  Tony D pitched shutout ball for 5 innings and took a 1-0 lead into the 6'th inning but faltered to fall behind 2-1.  Scott Alexander LHP came in and put the fire out to keep it close and set up the comeback in the bottom of the inning.

Tyler Rogers RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(2).  ERA= 2.31.  After John Brebbia RHP pitched a scoreless 7'th inning, Taylor Rogers gave up a HR to Bryan De La Cruz in the 8'th to close the score to 4-3. Tyler came in to get the final out of that inning then pitched a 1, 2, 3 9'th for the Save.

Logan Webb RHP tries to keep the winning going tomorrow against Braxton Garrett LHP.

Churn Watch:  

There was a flurry of roster moves before the game.  Ross Stripling RHP and Joey Bart C went on the IL with back and groin tightness respectively.  It may or may not be coincidence that both were struggling in their respective roles.  Replacements came in the form of Ryan Walker RHP and Patrick Bailey C whose contracts were selected from the AAA Sacramento River Cats which required two corresponding 40-man roster moves.  Heliot Ramos OF was recalled from AAA Sacramento and placed on the 60-day IL with an oblique strain and Cal Stevenson OF was designated for Assignment.  Tough break for Young Heliot!

Down on the Farm: 5/182023

 AAA:  Reno Aces pounded the Sacramento River Cats 11-3.

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .222.

Matt Beaty 1B- 2 for 5, HR(3).  BA= .263.

Hopefully Matos finding some traction after a slow start in AAA.

AA:  Akron Rubber Ducks sank the Richmond Flying Squirrels 10-2.

Ismael Munguia RF- 2 for 3, SB(8).  BA= .300.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .250.  

Wade Meckler CF- 1 for 4.  BA= .444.

Ryan Murphy RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.74.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.05.

After a rough start to the season, Randy Rodriguez has really settled down and is justifying his addition to the 40-man roster after the 2021 season.

A+: Eugene Emeralds polished off the Hillsboro Hops 2-0.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .212.

Damon Dues DH- 1 for 3, 2 SB(7).  BA= .275.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 4.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 0.52.

Ben Madison RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 6.19.

Hunter Dula RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(3).  ERA= 1.98.

Carson Whisenhunt is dominating although that is what you would hope for from a high college draft pich at this level.  He should continue to move up fast in the organization.

A:  Stockton Ports defeated the San Jose Giants 5-3.

Onil Perez C- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .351.

Alexander Suarez RF- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA- .259.

Hayden Wynja LHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.21.

Looking for sleepers?  Look no further than Onil Perez and Hayden Wynja.  Perez is a young international prospect C who is having a breakout season.  Wynja is a 6' 9" LHP who was NDFA last summer.

Down on the Farm: 5/17/2023

AAA:  Reno Aces pounded the Sacramento River Cats 9-4.

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .234.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 3.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.73.

Luke Jackson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00. 

Reno is a tough place to pitch.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels pummeled the Akron Rubber Ducks 11-4.

Ismael Munguia LF- 3 for 5, HR(3).  BA= .291.

Wade Meckler CF- 3 for 5.  BA= .600.

Marco Luciano SS- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(3).  BA= .143.

Carter Aldrete RF- 2 for 5, HR(4).  BA= .269.

Carter Williams DH- 2 for 2, HR(3), 2 BB.  BA= .207.

Wade Meckler picks up where he left off in Eugene.  I saw a post on Twitter that Meckler has more 3-hit games this season(7) than games with 0 hits(6).  4 of the 7 3-hit games were actually 4-hit games.

A+:  Hillsboro Hops outscored the Eugene Emeralds 10-7.

Adrian Sugastey C- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(2).  BA= .289.

Damon Dues 2B- 2 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .273.

Jose Cruz RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.53.

Ems scored 6 runs in the 9'th inning to close a 10-1 gap.

A:  Stockton Ports blanked the San Jose Giants 5-0. 

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 5 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 9/2.  ERA= 2.48.

Nomar Medina LHP- 3 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.98.

Game Wrap 5/17/2023: Giants 7 Phillies 4

The Giants gave up a 4-0 first inning lead but then added 3 runs in the 8'th inning and the much maligned bullpen once again stood in the gap.  Key Lines:

 Lamonte Wade Jr- 0 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .271.  LMWJ cashed in the two walks with 2 runs scored. 

Thairo Estrada 2B/SS- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .313.  

Wilmer Flores DH- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .269.  The Giants had 11 hits in the game, all singles, to go with 5 walks.

Ross Stripling RHP- 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 7.24.  At least he kept the ball in the park and didn't give up the lead.  His first 3 innings were scoreless.  He left the game with back tightness with 1 out in the 4'th inning.  Sean Manaea LHP came in and gave up a SF and HR before settling down and pitching a scoreless 4'th.

Bullpen(not counting Manaea)- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  Jake Junis RHP struck out the side in the 6'th inning.  Camilo Doval RHP got his 11'th Save of the season and his 8'th Save in 17 days in May.

The Giants get the day off tomorrow then take on the Marlins for a weekend series.   Anthony DeSclafani RHP tries to extend the Giants win streak Friday evening but he better bring his A game as should the Giants hitters as they will face Sandy Alcantara RHP.

Down on the Farm: 5/16/2023

AAA:  Reno Aces pounded the Sacramento River Cats 13-5.

David Villar 3B- 1 for 3, HR(1), 2 BB.  BA= .333.  

The biggest news here is Luis Matos OF got called up to AAA!  Yay!(does a happy dance).   

AA:  Akron Rubber Ducks edged out the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1(Game called after 5 innings).

Mason Black RHP- 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.62.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds defeated the Hillsboro Hops 5-2.

Jimmy Glowenke 2B- 2 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .419.

Adrian Sugastey C- 2 for 4.  BA= .269.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 4 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 5/0.  ERA= 6.00.

John Bertrand LHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 6/2.  ERA= 2.57.

Tyler Myrick RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(4).  ERA= 0.71.

A:  Stockton Ports outscored the San Jose Giants 9-7.

Tanner O'Tremba LF- 2 for 4, 2 HR(3).  BA= .297.

Andrew Kachel 3B- 3 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .301.

Luis Moreno RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 5/0.  ERA= 0.00.

Luis Moreno is a newcomer to the SJ Giants but he's been in the organization since 2017 and is 24 yo.

Game Wrap 4/16/2023: Giants 4 Phillies 3

Alex Cobb struggled with his command and used up 86 pitches while giving up 2 runs in 3.1 IP but the bullpen picked him up allowing just additional run over the next 5.2 innings.   Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .278.  LMWJ just keeps getting better.  He's hitting .348 over his last 7 games and .333 over his last 15.

Michael Conforto RF- 3 for 4.  BA= .222.   Conforto's resurgence continues.  Hitting .440 over his last 7 games.  He leads the team in HR's.  

Casey Schmitt SS- 1 for 4.  BA= .438.  Let's see.  The Phillies SP was a very good RHP, yet Schmitt was the starter at SS.  Hmm......

Joey Bart C- 1 for 3, 2B.  BA= .227.  Bart drove in a run and scored a run.  Pretty good line, right?  The double was a pop fly down the RF line that the 1B was looking for way out in foul territory and dropped about a foot inside the foul line.  There were 2 outs so Schmitt was running all the way from 1B and came all the way around to score.  LMWJ drove Bart in from 2B with an oppo field single.  Bart crossed the plate standing up and barely escaped the tag on the play at the plate. Weird sequence but hey, it's about time some of those went the Giants way.

Alex Cobb RHP- 3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 5 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.94.  As you can see, Cobb didn't have his best command by any stretch.  The offense and bullpen picked him up.

Bullpen- 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K's.  Taylor Rogers LHP(4.73) got the last 2 outs in the 4'th inning and the first out in the 5'th.  John Brebbia RHP(4.96) went 1.2 scoreless frames with with 3 K's and Tyler Rogers RHP(2.45) pitched 2 scoreless innings to set up Doval with a Save Opp and a 2-run lead, which he needed.

The Giants try for a sweep tomorrow afternoon but have a dilemma due to no great choices for SP a day game after leaning heavily on the bullpen for this game including 1.2 IP from their standard Opener in these situations, Brebbia.  I say hand the ball to Tristan Beck RHP.  He's rested and has pitched well enough to deserve a shot. Let's see what the kid is made of.

Game Wrap 5/15/2023: Giants 6 Phillies 3

A 6-run rally in the second inning carried the Giants to a win in their series opener against the defending NL Champs.  Key Lines:

Michael Conforto RF- 2 for 3, HR(8), BB.  BA= .206.  The Phillies used a RHP Opener to set up Bailey Falter LHP for the bulk innings role.  Conforto singled in the first inning against the Opener but was left stranded when Falter came in to strike out Brandon Crawford SS to end the inning.  But then Conforto hit an oppo-field 3-run HR off Falter in the pivotal second frame to put the Giants ahead 4-2.

Mitch Haniger LF- 1 for 4. BA= .183.  The Giants need Haniger to get going.  He got just one hit in this game but made it count as he drove in J. D. Davis 3B for the 5'th run of the second inning after a Davis double.  Haniger took 2B on the throw trying to get Davis at home then came home on Brandon Crawford's single.

Casey Schmitt 2B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .464.  Schmitt played 2B and stayed hot.  His single started the 2'nd inning rally.  

Defense:  Bryce Johnson started in CF and showed how much difference a good fielding CF can make on the game with several long running catches that I'm not sure other CF's get to.  YtY is off the IL and will start games 2 and 3.  He's not a terrible defender in CF but Johnson covers more ground by the eye test.

Alex Wood LHP- 4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.87.  The 2-run HR to Alex Bohm in the second inning notwithstanding, Wood looked sharp and came out due to pitch limit.  Hopefully he can stay healthy and plug one of the holes in the rotation.

Camilo Doval RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(9).  ERA= 2.04.  Taylor Rogers allowed two baserunners in the 8'th so Doval came in and got the last out then cruised through the 9'th for the Save.

Alex Cobb RHP tries to clinch a series win tomorrow evening facing Zack Wheeler RHP.

As mentioned YtY came off the IL today. Joc Pederson went on the IL with a contusion of his hand from the HBP in AZ.

Down on the Farm: 5/14/2023

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats topped the Salt Lake City Bees 4-3.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 3 for 3, 2 2B, 3B, 2 BB, SB(3).  BA= .326.

Will Wilson 2B- 2 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .205.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 8/1.  ERA= 0.90.

Drew Strotman RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.59. 

I would like to see Sean Hjelle get another shot at the MLB level as a SP.  None of this bulk-innings or versatility BS.  Put him out there as a SP.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Erie Seawolves 7-3.

Luis Matos RF- 4 for 4, 2B, HR(3), BB.  BA= .304.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 5, HR(2).  BA= .114.

Nick Zwack LHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 6.17.

Parker Dunshee RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.62.

The Matos and Luciano HR's came B2B. 

A+:  Eugene Emeralds outscored the Tri-City Dust Devils 12-5.

Wade Meckler LF- 4 for 5, HR(2).  BA= .456.

Victor Bericoto RF- 2 for 5, HR(7).  BA= .321.

Jimmy Glowenke 3B- 2 for 4, 2B, SF.  BA= .410.

Max Wright C- 2 for 4, 2B, SF.  BA= .200.

Ghordy Santos 2B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .189.

Gotta think we'll see promos for Meckler and Bericoto at some point but there are only so many roster spots at the higher levels.

A:  San Jose Giants outlasted the Lake Elsinore Storm 6-5(10 innings).

Diego Velasquez 2B- 2 for 4, Sac.  BA= .318.

Jack Choate LHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.80.

Luke Jackson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Daniel Blair RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 2.16.

Game Wrap 5/14/2023: D'Backs 2 Giants 1

 The Giants offense sputtered in air-conditioned Chase Field and wasted another QS from Logan Webb.  Key Lines:

Thairo Estrada 2B- 2 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .314.  I've thought Estrada looked like he needs a day off in recent games, but he didn't look like that today.  Unfortunately his two doubles did not figure into any scoring.

Michael Conforto RF- 1 for 4, HR(7).  BA= .193.  At one point in the game, Conforto had his BA above the Mendoza Line or the Interstate as Kruk prefers to call it but fell back below in subsequent AB's.  He is slashing .273/.385/.727 over his last 7 games, though.

Logan Webb RHP- 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 10/3.  ERA= 3.20.  Webb turns in his 5'th consecutive quality start.  8 ER over 28.1 IP in that span.  Here's the problem for the Giants.  Your ace pitchers are not going to win every game they start, even if they pitch like an ace so you can't just throw away the #4 and #5 spots in the rotation.  Otherwise, you end up staring at a 5 or 6 game losing streak.

Tyler Rogers RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 2.70.  Rogers got through a 1, 2, 3 8'th inning but since you save your Closer for the bottom of the inning on the road, he went back out for the 9'th and gave up a walk and a double and that was the ballgame.  Casey Schmitt 3B got confused and tried to backdoor the trailing runner at 2B but by the time the OF throw reached him he had no shot at the runner coming home anyway.

The Giants come back home to start a series against the defending NL Champion Phillies with Alex Wood LHP Bailey Falter LHP.

Brandon Crawford SS came off the IL and started at SS.  As expected, the corresponding move was to option David Villar to AAA Sacramento for more seasoning.

Down on the Farm: 5/13/2023

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats edged out the Salt Lake City Bees 3-2.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(2).  BA= .275.

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 3, BB, SB(1).  BA= .211.

Four pitchers worked 2 IP each.  Nick Swiney LHP makes his AAA debut with 2 scoreless frames.

AA:  Erie Seawolves defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 4-2.

Carson Seymour RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K, GO/AO= 6/1.  ERA= 3.46.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.44.

Are Giants pitching prospects trying to pitch to more contact, or is it just bad pitching with good luck?  We've seen several bulk-inning appearances with 0 K's in the last week.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds pounded the Tri-City Dust Devils 10-2.

Wade Meckler CF- 4 for 5, SB(2).  BA= .432.

Victor Bericoto RF- 4 for 5, 2B, 2 HR(6).  BA= .317.

Adrian Sugastey C- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .258.

Logan Wyatt 1B- 1 for 4, HR(6), BB.  BA= .257.

Luis Toribio 3B- 2 for 5, HR(7).  BA= .283.

Carson Ragsdale RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.93.

Mat Olsen RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 8.93.

Victor Bericoto is having a breakout season.  He's Rule 5 eligible after this season.

A:  San Jose Giants beat the Lake Elsinore Storm 8-4.

Carter Howell CF- 0 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .315.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(4).  BA= .311.

Matt Higgins LF- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .324.

Patrick Hilson DH- 2 for 4, SB(1).  BA= .259.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 3.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.93.

Hayden Wynja LHP- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.63.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.10.

Diego Velasquez is having a breakout season and he has 2 more seasons of development before he is Rule 5 eligible so quite exciting.

Game Wrap 5/13/2023: D'Backs 7 Giants 2

They way baseball is a game of inches.  It's also a game of numbers.  It's also a game of luck and of injuries.  Just when you thought the Giants luck couldn't get any worse, a freak injury popped up to wreak havoc in the 6'th inning of a game they were leading.  By the time the inning was over they trailed 4-1 and the game was practically over.  Key Lines:

Michael Conforto RF(.191) continued his resurgence with 2 hits including a 2B.

Casey Schmitt SS(.550) stayed hot with 2 more hits.

Anthony DeSclafani RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.06.  Tony D took a 1-0 shutout into the 6'th inning but trouble was brewing.  Seems he suffered a contusion of his toe a few weeks ago as he was helping his 2-year old son off a piano bench at home.  The bench fell over and "squared up" his toe.  Ouch!  I did that twice when I was a kid.  Once when a rock shifted as I was playing barefoot in Mill Creek up by Forest Falls, CA and once when a horse stepped on it.  Pain scale hit at least a 9 both times and both times the nail turned black and eventually fell off.  Well, the falling off part is what happened to Tony D in the 6'th inning and it was too painful to continue.  The good news is it should be easy to just grab that sucker and yank it clean off and he should be good as new in a few days.  Yikes!  So does Anthony DeSclafani have a hidden talent he's been hiding all this time?  Nope!  The piano came with a rented house.   He wanted to learn to play it but now he doesn't.( all this is per Maria Guardado in sfgiants.com).

Logan Webb RHP tries to salvage a series split today facing Brandon Pfaadt RHP.  

Joc Pederson is DTD after taking a pitch off the back of his right hand in Friday's game.  X-rays were negative for a fracture.

Down on the Farm: 5/12/2023

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Reno Aces 8-4. 

Cal Stevenson CF- 1 for 3, 2 BB, SB(5).  BA= .294.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS-  2 for 4, HR(3), BB, SB(1).  BA= .270.  

Ford Proctor 1B- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .228.

Keaton Winn RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.33.

Nick Avila RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.66.

Erik Miller LHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(1).  ERA= 5.68.

Fitzgerald is having a breakout season.  His living in a tough neighborhood as Casey Schmitt has grabbed the SS of the future role, at least for now, and Marco Luciano is a pretty good prospect who is also in the mix but Fitz is versatile and there will always be teams in need of a SS who can hit.

AA:  Erie Seawolves mauled the Richmond Flying Squirrels 6-1.

Ismael Munguia CF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .282.

Raymond Burgos LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. 

A+:  Tri-City Dust Devils outscored the Eugene Emeralds 6-5.

Victor Bericoto DH- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .293.

Logan Wyatt 1B- 1 for 2, HR(5), 2 BB.  BA= .257.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 0.69.

Whisenhunt is dominating the lower levels which a top college draft pick should do.  He is looking like the fast mover I hoped Will Bednar would be last season.

A:  San Jose Giants calmed the Lake Elsinore Storm 5-4.

Carter Howell CF- 2 for 5.  BA= .320.

Onil Perez C- 2 for 3, BB, SB(4).  BA= .371.

Esmerlin Vinicio LHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K's.  ERA= 2.41.  

Game Wrap 5/122023: D'Back 7 Giants 5

The Giants looked like they would build on their impressive win from the nigh before as they broke out to a 3-0 lead.  Alas, moving Ross Stripling from SP to a bulk innings role was not the solution to his shockingly poor start to the season and the lead disappeared over the OF fences of Chase Field and things deteriorated from there.  Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B/CF- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .276.  LMWJ led off the game with an oppo field single and scored on Joc Pederson's HR.  He has now reached base 13 times in 25 PA's while leading off the first inning.  BR does not list how many first inning runs he has scored.

J. D. Davis 3B- 3 for 5.  BA= .308. 

Joc Pederson DH- 1 for 1, HR(5), 2 BB.  BA= .235.  Joc's been scuffling a bit.  Hopefully this is a game that gets him going.  

Michael Conforto RF- 2 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .180.  Conforto has been a rally killer too.  Kruk and Kuip commented on the improved AB's in this game. The HR came at the end of an extended AB.

Casey Schmitt SS- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .563.  I missed the excitement of Thursday's game but Schmitt added a nice oppo-field double get the the winning run to the plate in the 8'th inning.  The double came with runners on first and third with 2 outs and rattled round down the RF corner which gave hope it might drive in both runners.  Alas, Gary Hallberg held up the trailing runner, Conforto, at 3B and Wilmer left both runners stranded with a ground out.

Ross Stripling RHP- 3.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 7.14.  Unfortunately, Stripling is the story of this game.  He entered in the 2'nd inning after a scoreless Opening by Brebbia and promptly went single, walk, K, HR with the HR coming on Dominic Fletcher's first career MLB HR.  Evan Longoria DH went deep twice the next inning.  The first time the ball hooked foul, confirmed on replay but he straightened out the next one and the Giants were trailing in a game they started with a 3-0 lead.  So what's wrong with Ross Stripling?  In his partial defense, the ump squeezed him several times forcing him to put pitches deeper in the strike zone which almost nobody can get away with against MLB hitters.  On the other hand, as Kruk pointed out, his breaking balls just aren't spinning enough to have the downward bite they need.  Hanging breaking balls tend to go a long way when MLB hitters swing at them.  HR/FB is a ratio that tends to regress to mean over time and Stripling's is astronomical so far, but right now he is also failing the eye test.

Anthony DeSclafani RHP tries to get the the Giants back on the winning side the evening facing Zac Gallen RHP.

Churn Watch:

Alex Wood LHP was activated of the IL and gave up a run in 1 IP.  He's slated to start Monday against the Phillies in Oracle Park. Cole Waites RHP was optioned back to AAA Sacramento.

Blogger's Note

 Family event tonight and tomorrow AM. Will resume blogging tomorrow PM or Saturday AM.  

Down on the Farm: 5/10/2023

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats topped the Salt Lake City Bees 6-5.

Bryce Johnson CF- 1 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .385.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .250.

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 3, HR(1),  HBP.  BA= .200.

Is Bryce Johnson in line for a recall if Austin Slater has to go back on the IL?

AA:  Erie Seawolves blanked the Richmond Flying Squirrels 1-0.

Mason Black RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.57.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.72.

A+:  Tri-City Dust Devils edged out the Eugene Emeralds 2-1.

Jared Dupere LF- 2 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .261.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 6/2.  ERA= 6.75.

John Bertrand LHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 5/0. ERA= 3.00.  

First appearance after promotion for Bertrand.

A:  Lake Elsinore Storm defeated the San Jose Giants 7-5.

Thomas Gavello 2B- 3 for 4, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .321.

Onil Perez C- 2 for 5, 3B.  BA= .352.

Tanner O'Tremba DH- 1 for 3, HR(1), BB, SB(3).  BA= .297.

Jose Ramos SS- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .238.

Breakout season for Onil Perez?

Game Wrap 5/10/2023: Nationals 11 Giants 6

 Sean Manaea got blown out of this one early and a plucky Giants offense couldn't catch up.  Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B= 1 for 4, HR(7), BB.  BA= .260.  Wade's 2-run HR came in the 9'th inning when the game was out of reach, but he's on a pace to hit 25-30 on the season.  He also drove in a run with a ground out.

J. D. Davis 3B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .287.  Not a bad line but Davis' error in the third inning opened the floodgates for 4 unearned runs and it just goes to show how much it's a game of inches....or less.  With one out and one on, as Davis was fielding a routine chopper, the ball inexplicably just dropped out of his glove.  He picked it up and fired to first where the ump called the runner safe.  Instant replay upheld the call but it was so, so close!  The next batter lined out for out #2 then walk, single, triple and suddenly the score was 8-0 and the Giants never recovered. 

Michael Conforto RF- 1 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .171.  Conforto's 2-run HR came in the 8'th inning.  Giants desperately need his bat to come alive.  Hopefully this is a start?

Casey Schmitt SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .500.   The good vibes continue for Casey "At the Bat" Schmitt.  May this be the beginning of a long, glorious career.

Sean Manaea LHP- 2.2 IP, 5 H, 8 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 7.96.  Earned runs or not, this was already not a good start for Manaea long before Davis' error.  That error was was something a good pitcher should have had not trouble pitching out of.  At this point it's hard to see Manaea being used in anything but mop-up situations until he shows he can consistently get hitters out.

Tristan Beck RHP- 5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.41.  Nice bulk-innings work for Beck.  I would look for him to switch roles with Manaea next turn through the rotation. Gotta think Kyle Harrison LHP chance is coming soon.

The Giants open a 4-game series in Arizona tomorrow evening with Alex Cobb RHP facing Tommy Henry LHP.

Austin Slater CF left the game early with left hamstring tightness, the same area that caused him to start the season on the IL.  He'll be evaluated tomorrow.

Down on the Farm: 5/9/2023

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats smothered the Salt Lake City Bees 9-2.

Colton Welker DH- 3 for 4, BB.  BA= .362.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 1.50.

Joey Marciano LHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 7.56.

Ty Weber RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

5 River Cats had 2 hits each.  HR's by Ford Proctor 3B(1), Will Wilson(2) and Shane Matheny(2).  

AA:  Erie Seawolves crushed the Richmond Flying Squirrels 10-1.

Luis Matos DH- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .295.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .176.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.29.

Raymond Burgos LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds blanked the Tri-City Dust Devils 4-0.

Vaun Brown RF- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(1), BB.  BA= .313.

Eric Silva RHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 1.90.

Joe Kemlage LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.50.

Jose Cruz RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Tyler Myrick RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.87.

Exciting stuff from Brown who has captured the imaginations of Giants prospect watchers.  Silva has to be one of the younger players in the league at age 20.

A:  San Jose Giants outscored the Lake Elsinore Storm 9-8.

Diego Velasquez SS- 1 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .298.

Matt Higgins LF- 2 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .308.

Thomas Gavello 3B- 2 for 3, 2 HR(5).  BA= .297.