The Giants were shutout for the second consecutive game wasting their second consecutive well-pitched game. Brutal! Key Lines:
Casey Schmitt 1B/2B- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .222. All four of the Giants hits came off the bats of the two least likely hitters in the lineup, Schmitt and Sam Huff. Schmitt also looked more comfortable playing 1B although there was one play where he got lost and barely made it to the bag in time. He made a couple of big league plays freezing a runner at 3B while getting the putout at first base on a grounder to first then throwing out a lead runner at home on a fielder's choice.
Sam Huff C- 2 for 3. BA= .154. Nice job going to the oppo field for his two hits against a pitchers the hitters at the top of the lineup were obviosly struggling with. He also threw out a runner trying to steal 2B.
Landen Roupp RHP- 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, 8/3 GO/AO. ERA= 3.60. Roupp commanded 3 solid pitches, FB, curve, change up. The changeup in particular is an additional weapon from last year which he gives him a full SP arsenal. If he keeps pitching like this, the Giants will be alright.
Hayden Birdsong RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. A stroll in the park for Birdsong who looked completely comfortable over 3 shutout innings. Again, if he keeps pitching like that the Giants will be alright.
City Connect Uniforms- OK, I like them. I grew to like the orange/white, white "creamiscle" uniforms too but these ones look really sharp and the color scheme is a little easier on the eyes. Modern and energetic without being garish or excessive. I appreciated the commentary of the Giants Director of Marketing explaining the "connection" to the city- the musical history, particularly the "psychedelic" era of the mid-1960's.
Not sure if it's bad luck or park effects but it looked like the Giants had quite a few hard-hit balls that went right to gloves. We'll see if that regresses positively in the future but for now the lack of runs over the last two games is a concern, especially since both games wasted excellent pitching performances.
The Giants send Justin Verlander RHP to the mound tomorrow afternoon trying to salvage a win in the series facing Nick Martinez RHP.
It seemed, based upon the number of flyball outs, that the team might've been trying to hit homeruns. Hopefully they'll stop this. Not going to help. Especially when you only need one run. They've not been winning, as yet, from swinging for the fences. Perhaps the coaches should work with the team to remember this.
ReplyDeleteIf you're right, and you probably are, maybe it accounts for Schmit and Huff (of all people!) getting 2 hits each: they were taking the opposite-field-got-on-base approach.
DeleteThe pitching staff looks terrific as a whole. The batting line as a whole looks more on the weak side. I am wondering about Tyler Fitzgerald. His projections for 2025 look solid. Depending on which source one uses, he is expected to hit 17 HRs and have an OPS around .770. That would be solid enough to keep him as a starter. Problem for me is that he looks uncomfortable at the plate. Does he need more time or a short leash? There are options in the Giants system, most notably Casey Schmidt.
ReplyDeleteAn afternoon getaway game against a pitcher who gives up some long balls: redemption!
ReplyDeleteLove the KID pitching....the hitting issues not unexpected for this team and will likely be popping up at different times. Just hope it doesn't become a constant....Pitching will carry the team and pitching prospects may even have to be dealt later on for a bat(s). Can never have enough pitching.
ReplyDeleteSteveVA