Freddy Sanchez waited several days to make his debut for the San Francisco Giants. However, his performance Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies not only helped boost the team to a 7-3 victory, but also helped endear him to Giant faithful as the team took three of four games at home against the NL East leaders.
Sanchez singled and doubled, driving in two critical runs and scoring once as the Giants rallied from an early 3-1 deficit with six unanswered runs in the fifth and sixth innings off losing pitcher Cole Hamels (7-6). Barry Zito (7-10) went six strong innings, limiting the high powered Phillies offense to six hits and three runs (two earned), striking out five and walking none. Eugenio Velez continued his torid hitting, driving in two runs with a bases loaded single in the sixth that tallied the final runs. Aaron Rowand also contributed an RBI triple in the second.
In the opener, Pablo Sandoval drove in four runs with a sacrifice fly, double, and homerun (16) as the Giants won 7-2. Rodrigo Lopez (3-1) was hit early and often in losing his first decision on the season. Eugenio Velez had three hits and drove in three with a double and two singles. Jonathan Sanchez (4-9) pitched into the sixth, surrendering three hits and striking out seven. The only real blemish on Sanchez was Chase Utley’s 23rd homerun of the season in the sixth. Giant outfielder Andres Torres left the game after the bottom of the second with a strained left hamstring. He was replaced by Randy Winn.
In the second match of the series, newcomer and defending AL Cy Young winner Cliff Lee (8-9) handcuffed the Giants on four hits, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth. Jayson Werth drove in three and launched a homerun (22) in the 5-1 Phillie victory. Rookie Ryan Sadowski (2-4) didn’t pitch poorly, but lost his fourth straight decision, leaving after four innings with shoulder tightness, surrendering one run on three hits and three walks.
In the third game, Tim Lincecum (12-3) stymied the Phillies through eight shutout innings, winning 2-0. Lincecum struck out eight and scattered seven hits and walked one. Joe Blanton (7-5) was the hard luck loser, pitching seven strong innings, blemished only by two sacrifice flies by Juan Uribe. Brian Wilson pitched the ninth for his 27th save.
Great series for the Giants. I can’t really think of too many complaints. The pitching was awesome. Even in the loss, Sadowski pitched well. A lot of good momentum to end the home stand with a 6-1 mark. The staff did an impressive job with turning back an incredibly potent offense. Sanchez was great in his debut. This is what the team needs. Velez has been a sparkplug since his recall. Nice to see that he’s over .300 and doing what was expected when coming out of spring training last year.
In moves to make room for Sanchez, the Giants optioned Jesus Guzman and Ryan Sadowski to Fresno, recalling reliever Waldis Joaquin from Connecticut. Joaquin has pitched well in the minors but is most likely holding a spot until they either recall Kevin Pucetas or Joseph Martinez to make the start on Wednesday or look to a reliever, such as Justin Miller, to make a spot start. Not sure if this is a demotion for Sadowski or a chance for him to work on pitching in the minors for a bit (and to take a closer look at his injury). I think it’s a good opportunity for either Pucetas or Martinez to have a shot in the rotation, but we’ll know for sure on Wednesday.
The Giants travel to Houston to begin a three game set with the Astros Monday night. The Phillies will go to Denver to start a three game set with the Rockies on Tuesday. The Giants and Rockies each sport identical 58-47 marks to lead the National League wild card chase. Go Giants. Go Phillies.
