Sunday, July 24, 2011

One step forward

Ryan Vogelsong did not have the good stuff in his 16th start but the Giants prevailed in their 101st game. The bullpen was particularly crisp, getting the last 12 outs on 44 pitches. Santiago Casilla allowed two base runners in the 6th (via walks) but neither got past second. He sandwiched in a strike out of Prince Fielder. Jeremy Affeldt threw a perfect 7th and also struck out Corey Hart. Sergio Romo retired the first two in the 8th, striking out Ryan Braun. Javier Lopez struck out Prince Fielder to end the inning, and Brian Wilson took care of the 9th with only five pitches. Ol' Boch used the right guys in the right spots and they delivered a huge win. Unlike Friday's game, the Giants actually put together some offense, knocking out 10 hits and scoring four runs. I particularly liked the insurance run in the 8th: a walk by Cody Ross, a single from Chris Stewart, and a single that looked for all the world like a double-play ball from Andres Torres. The Brewers made two mistakes on the bases that likely cost them at least a run, and the Giants made another fine play (Ross to Stewart) to get a runner at the plate. The Brewers also gave up a run when Ryan Braun made a poor throw on a very short fly ball to left field that allowed Aaron Rowand to score the go-ahead run standing up. Little things, little things, they all add up. Watching the Giants this year you really notice when other clubs fail to execute routine plays or give away outs with bad decisions.

Madison Bumgarner faces ace Yovani Gallardo in the rubber match this afternoon. GO GIANTS!

--M.C.

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