Matt Cain snapped a personal dry stretch against the Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants placed more distance between themselves and third place in the National League West division with a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles Sunday night, securing a three game weekend sweep over their rivals.
Cain (9-8), 0-8 career against the Dodgers, tossed 7 2/3 innings of shutout ball, striking out seven while only surrendering four hits. Edgar Renteria supplied the only offense on the day for the Giants with a two run, two out sixth inning triple off Clayton Kershaw (10-6). Brian Wilson struck out two in the ninth for his 31st save.
In the opener, Tim Lincecum (11-4) dominated over seven innings, striking out nine in a 6-5 victory. Lincecum surrendered two runs and left with a 5-2 lead. Aubrey Huff blasted his 20th homerun in the seventh off reliever Jeff Weaver, giving him three RBI on the day. Juan Uribe earlier homered (15) off Carlos Monasterios (3-3). The Huff homer proved valuable as the Dodgers rallied against the cobbled together Giant closing corps, thrust into action due to back spasms for Brian Wilson. Los Angeles scored three times in the frame off of a combination of Sergio Romo, Denny Bautista, starter Jonathan Sanchez, and Chris Ray, the latter of which recorded the final out for his second save of the season.
In the middle game, Pat Burrell launched a two run homerun (8) off closer Jonathan Broxton (3-4) in the eighth inning to give the Giants a 2-1 victory. Broxton entered with a runner on and a 1-0 lead. The Dodgers wasted a stellar outing by Chad Billingsley, who went six-and-two-third shutout, two hit innings for the no decision. Matching his dominance in no decision land was Barry Zito, who went seven, giving up one run on three hits. Guillermo Mota (1-3) recorded the final four outs for the victory.
Well, well, well. What a series. Great outcome. Awesome pitching by the Giants staff. Yes, the boys in blue are a lesser offense, but wins are wins and they’re still getting paid major league salaries. I saw newcomer Javier Lopez in the Sunday game and he looked incredible. Great pick up to face lefties. I have no idea why Bautista is still on this team. He was awful when he pitched. Luckily, he didn’t hurt the team too badly. Anywho, all in all, a great series. Excellent two out hitting by both Burrell and Renteria. I am still curious why Travis Ishikawa hasn’t been starting but then, if the Giants win, why worry about it, for now. Any suggestions would be appreciated from this perspective.
The Giants have an off day tomorrow before two games in Colorado, followed by four in Atlanta. It just doesn’t get any easier for these guys. The Dodgers will next play the San Diego Padres at home tomorrow night. Go Giants!!!
