This game was a lot closer than the score looks. Justin Verlander had his best stuff of the season but was hurt by uncharacteristic errors by Matt Chapman and the Giants lineup never found traction against Jesus Luzardo. Key Lines:
Justin Verlander RHP- 6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 4.70. Verlander looked sharp, almost electric, in this one. Alas, between the unearned runs and lack of run support, it's all went to waste. The bullpen got pounded over the last 2 innings and had to wear it because late-inning relievers had to be spared for the Dodger series.
Beyond that, there really isn't anything else to mention. The lineup had just 4 hits and two walks with no XBH's.
The Giants already clinched a series win on Bailey's crazy home run last night. They get a day off at home to regroup then start the final series of the official first half against the Dodgers with Logan Webb RHP facing Dustin May RHP who comes in with an ERA of 4.52.
Its amazing how this team continues to play its worst games when Verlander is pitching. The good thing about being pounded is they rested their high leverage relievers. At least they won the series thanks to Baileys homer. Save some runs for Dodger Series. Dodgers come in losing 6 in a row. How about the Miami Marlins, who lost today but have been playing well since they swept the Giants. I like a couple of their players for fantasy:: pitcher Edward Cabera and catcher Agustin Ramirez
ReplyDeleteAfter the Webb - May game Friday, this weekend match-ups are Ohtani - Roupp and Yamamoto - Ray.
ReplyDeleteThus the Giants will skip Birdsong's start and get Ray for the series finale, all but eliminating his chance to get into the All Star game, while maximizing the Giants chance for a win against Yamamoto.
Since the Lost Angels are bringing Ohtani along slowly, he will probably pitch 3 or fewer innings (in his 4 starts he's pitched 1-1-2-2 innings) and make the finale a bull pen game for them.
Can the Giants please score some runs — there is a measurable chance for a sweep if they do!
The BP game won't be the "finale" — Ohtani will (most likely) start Saturday.
DeleteVerlander may regret picking the Giants to work toward the elusive 300 wins! Was it the money or did another offer not materialize? Houston was thought to be in the running.
DeleteI subscribed to Grok 4 this morning. I asked Grok to give me outcomes for the LA vs. SF series, that begins tomorrow night.
ReplyDeleteWe do have excellent starting pitchers in the mix here too! Planned that way, most likely! Here is the final summary!
Grok 4 - Series Prediction
Giants win the series 2-1. The shift to last 5 games does affect my outcome—previously I had Dodgers 2-1 based on a milder 4-6 slump, but their 0-5 nosedive (anemic offense) vs. Giants’ 4-1 heat makes SF the favorite to take two at home. LA’s aces (Ohtani, Yamamoto) keep it competitive, but injuries and cold bats hinder a full rebound. If Dodgers’ stars ignite or Giants’ offense dips (like in their July 9 loss), it could flip back. Classic rivalry—should be intense!