Outstanding performances by Pablo Sandoval and Matt Cain went for naught as the Diamondbacks rallied against closer Brian Wilson and went on to salvage the finale of the weekend three game set from the Giants by a final score of 5-4 in 12 innings.
Sandoval went 4-4 and crushed a three run homer to put the Giants ahead 4-1 in the eighth. Cain turned in his fourth consecutive quality start, going seven innings, scattering four hits and a run. He was turned away from his third victory of the season when Justin Upton capped a three run, ninth inning rally against Wilson with a two run homerun, his second of the year. The teams exchanged zeros for the next two innings until the Diamondbacks loaded the bases on three straight walks and a sacrifice in the twelfth. Conor Jackson followed with a single to deep left field, scoring Miguel Montero for the final score.
In the opener, Tim Lincecum was again sharp, striking out twelve in eight innings and giving up one run while picking up his first victory of the season, 5-1. He was backed with homeruns by Benjie Molina and Edgar Renteria as the Giants won their fourth straight.
In the middle game, Randy Johnson was anything but spectacular, walking seven in 3 1/3 innings, but the Giants rallied for four in the fifth inning, capped by a Randy Winn two run homerun, his second of the year. Justin Miller and the bullpen shook off a homerun by Eric Byrnes to shut down Arizona for the last four innings as the Giants took the game 5-3.
My reactions are such: 1) the starting pitching is looking incredible. The two headed monster of Cain and Lincecum was unstoppable. If these two are clicking like this all season, good things are in store. 2) nice to see that Sandoval is snapping out of his slump. Today’s performance brought him up to .292 on the season. 3) Travis Ishikawa, while still slumping at the plate, turned in some outstanding defense. He also hit a few lasers (though right at defenders). He’ll come around. 4) Johnson’s wildness was a bit troubling. However, he’s been in the game a few years. I’m sure it’s just mechanics or perhaps the pressure from returning to the desert. Should be straightened out by his next start. 5) Today’s effort by Wilson was an anomaly. He’s been pitching well up until this appearance. Again, all closers have periodic bad outings. I wouldn’t worry too badly, yet. 6) I still don’t like Fred Lewis leading off. Just something about it leaves a bad taste and all. 7) It was nice to see Nate Schierholtz not only start but contribute Sunday.
Great overall performance. Perfect momentum as they now go home to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Zito vs. Wolf. See ya’ there!!
