Tim Lincecum tossed seven strong innings and Andres Torres homered as the San Francisco Giants completed a three game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 7-3 victory, finishing a National League best 52-29 at home.
Lincecum (15-7) allowed two hits and two earned runs while striking out seven, increasing his National League leading strikeout total to 254. Torres led an eleven hit assault against Dan Haren (14-10) with his sixth homerun of the season. He also added a triple. Randy Winn, playing in perhaps his final game for the Giants, collected two hits in the effort. Randy Johnson closed out the ninth. Rich Aurilia, facing his finale as a Giant, started at first base and was applauded loudly by the home crowd each time up to the plate.
In the opener, Benjie Molina had four hits and homered twice (19, 20) as the Giants lifted Jonathan Sanchez (8-12) to a 8-4 victory. Pablo Sandoval also collected four hits lifted a ball into orbit for his 23rd of the season. Doug Davis (8-14) was pummeled for seven hits and four runs in four innings for the loss. Ryan Garko and Randy Winn each had two hits for the Giants. Miguel Montero homered twice (15, 16) off Sanchez for the Diamondbacks in a losing effort.
In the middle game, Brad Penny (4-1/11-9) went the distance, striking out five, as the Giants won 4-1. His only run allowed was unearned. Eli Whiteside hit his second homerun of the season off Kevin Mulvey (0-3).
Okay, they got the sweep, but the Rockies are in the playoffs (good luck, gents). Therefore, what do we say? If I came up in spring training and told you that the Giants would be in it until the second to last series of the season, would you have believed me? I rest my case. Full season recaps are for later, but let’s touch on what we see from the series. First, Lincecum is awesome. However, he will not win the Cy Young. Neither will my fave horse of the season (Matt Cain). No, that award belongs in St. Louis this year. For who should get it, check out their blog. Probably Carpenter. Second, it’s time to say goodbye to some veterans. I’m thinking of Winn and Aurilia. Probably Molina, too. However, the front office and manager love Benjie. Therefore, he’ll probably get another year. However, let’s bat him where he should be batting. Seventh. Finally, about the front office and manager. The lineups were questionable at times. The Renteria signing was pointless. The Garko trade? Pointless. Freddy Sanchez? Well, I hope Alderson was worth it. Yes, the Giants overachieved this season. However, was it because of or in spite of the front office and management? I hope it’s the former but fear it is the latter.
One more series on the season. The Giants will travel to San Diego to face the Padres. The Diamondbacks travel to Chicago to face the Cubs. Finish strong. GO GIANTS!!!!
