The San Francisco Giants found their hitting stroke, scoring five and four runs in the second and third games of the series, respective. However, they only won the middle game and bowed out of the series to the Seattle Mariners, two games to one.
In the opener, the hitting malaise continued as the Giants wasted a strong start by Randy Johnson, who struck out seven and pitched shutout ball into the sixth inning, but the Giants fell in twelve innings, 2-1. Jose Lopez drove in two: including an RBI single that chased Johnson with one out in the sixth and a walkoff RBI single off Pat Misch in the final frame, making a loser of Justin Miller (1-1), despite two innings of no-hit ball. Mariners starter Jason Vargas was dominant, shaking off a leadoff homerun by Aaron Rowand (5) to handcuff the Giants for seven innings of three hit ball, while picking up a no decision. Sean White (1-0) pitched two shutout innings for the victory.
In the middle game, a bases loaded double by Juan Uribe sparked a five run, eighth inning rally off Mark Lowe (0-2), making a winner of Matt Cain (5-1) who tossed a complete game, striking out seven and scattering ten hits for the victory. Fred Lewis added to the rally with a two run homerun (2).
In the finale, Lewis continued his slugging with a solo shot (3) off Felix Hernandez (5-3). However, Barry Zito (1-5) couldn’t hold a slim 3-2 lead in the fifth, surrendering the lead on a three run homerun by Adrian Beltre (3) in the bottom of the frame. Ken Griffey Jr. homered (5) in the bottom of the first to start the scoring. Hernandez struck out ten in eight innings.
Overall, it’s nice to see the bats wake up a bit. Two one run losses are hard to take, but it’s better to lose by a run if you score four than if you only score one, I guess. The two out hitting is also coming alive as all four Giants runs in the finale came with two outs. That’s nice to see. Also nice to see Lewis starting to come alive. Can’t beat that. Ditto Rowand. Pablo Sandoval missed the last 2 1/2 games with a tender elbow. That’s going to require watching as it could be a key. He’s necessary for the team to do anything. He was designated hitter and went 2-2 with a double on Friday before being pulled for Rich Aurilia.
The Giants made a few roster moves, moving Joe Martinez and Noah Lowry to the 60 day disabled list. They also recalled catcher Eli Whiteside from Fresno and optioned Pat Misch back to the AAA affiliate. They also activated Juan Uribe from the bereavement list and optioned Eugenio Velez to Fresno to make room.
The Giants will next send Jonathan Sanchez against the visiting Atlanta Braves. The Mariners will travel to Oakland, tomorrow night, to play the Athletics.
