eastbaybaseball

   Attention San Francisco Giants fans in the Southern California area, get your brooms out today and bring them to Petco Park as the Giants take on the Padres in a getaway game for the visiting Giants as they return back home following today’s afternoon game.

   In what has been a dismal season so far for the Giants and their bullpen, as well as their offense, they look to finish strong these last two months by consistent starting pitching and some timely hitting as of late.  On Friday, Lincecum was his dominating self as he struck out 11 Padres and pitched 7 innings of 1 run ball and left with a 2-1 lead, but got a no decision due to a meltdown by the bullpen  again in the 8th inning. The bullpen has blown two games and two wins for Lincecum in his last two starts and have blown 5 for him on the season as a whole.   Conversely, Giants eventually won the game in extras 3-2.  Last night, Zito (the formidable ace and former Cy Young) pitched a masterful game and put on a phenomenal performance against his hometown team.  He also outdueled fellow Padres ace Jake Peavy, who pitched well giving up only one run in 7 innings. However, on this night Zito was slightly better, which Giants fans hasn’t got to see too much out of this former ace.  If Zito can put it together for a whole season, rather than just the second half and with the return of Lowry next season and a consistent Jonathan Sanchez, this rotation has a chance to be one of the best in not only the West, but in the National League. 

Other notes: I have to say it was also good to see young guys in the Giants lineup for the second game combined. Ochoa and Burriss look solid in the middle-infield and have played some stellar defense and Burriss has hit well in the two games as the starter at 2nd base, going 3 for 7 with a run and a clutch RBI.  I really hope Sabean and Bochy contine to play guys like Burriss and Ochoa in the middle-infield and keep showcasing Bowker and Lewis as everyday players. Both did well last night as Bowker went 2 for 3 and Lewis with 2 for 4, scored the go-ahead run and stole his 20th base.  I also have to say I like Winn as the leadoff for now and Lewis batting third, although I think Winn could use a dayoff and let Roberts leadoff for a day and play right field.  Well today’s afternoon game is slated at 1:05 p.m. PT. The pitching matchup is the Giants’ Kevin Correia (2-5, 5.80 E.R.A) versus old-timer Padres’ Greg Maddux (4-8, 4.29 E.R.A).

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