Randy Johnson took one step closer to history as the San Francisco Giants completed a three game sweep of the Atlanta Braves with a 6-3 victory, Wednesday night. The towering lefty hurled six innings, giving up only three hits and a run while striking out five and walking none as he evened his record (4-4) on the season. Brian Wilson pitched the ninth for his tenth save. Aaron Rowand continued his hitting renaissance since moving to the leadoff spot, doubling twice, scoring twice, and driving in a run. Emmanuel Burriss contributed three hits as the Giants made a loser of Kenshin Kawakami (3-6). Chipper Jones struck out four times in the loss.
In the opener, rookie first baseman Travis Ishikawa had four hits, including his first homerun of the season, driving in three and scoring three times as the Giants prevailed 8-2. Burriss broke a scoreless tie with an RBI single in the fifth inning and, three batters later, Edgar Renteria stroked a two run double as the Giants battered losing pitcher Javier Vasquez (4-4) for five runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. Ishikawa’s blast came off reliever Buddy Carlyle with two on in the eighth. Jonathan Sanchez picked up the victory (2-4), striking out six while only allowing two runs in five plus innings. Braves catcher Brian McCann had three hits and an RBI in a losing effort.
In the middle matchup, the Giants rode a four run second inning and a dominant effort by ace Tim Lincecum to a 4-0 victory. Lincecum (4-1) pitched eight innings, surrendering only five hits and two walks while striking out eight. The Giants were paced in the second by two out, two run hits by Aaron Rowand and Edgar Renteria. After Lincecum followed a single by Travis Ishikawa and a double by Emmanuel Burriss with a five pitch walk to load the bases, Rowand doubled off the fence in left field, bringing home two. Renteria then followed with a single to plate two more. Brave hurler Kris Medlen (0-2) pitched into the sixth and, with the exception of the second inning, was relatively solid in his performance.
First impression is that this was an awesome series. A series win is nice. A sweep is even better (ask the Padres). This was a good set of games. The Giants are continuing the timely hitting trend that they started in Seattle. That’s nice to see. Also, great to see both Burriss and Ishikawa start to swing the stick solidly. Rowand is also excelling nicely in the leadoff spot. Several spots for concern. First, Bengie Molina’s cold with the stick. He might be a bit tired, however. He’s been catching a lot and, for now, with Eli Whiteside the only other catcher playing, he’ll get a little more duty. The staff is doing well. So, it’s not effecting his game calling much. However, Molina hits cleanup. Therefore, Molina not hitting is problematic. Right now Pablo Sandoval is banged up a bit (he didn’t play in the Braves series but might be back on Friday) and Randy Winn’s been hitting third. I think that Molina is a little better with Panda in the three slot. Also, Sandoval can spell him behind the plate. On the up side, the team’s not feeling this lack of offense horribly, as yet. However, perhaps a lineup shuffle might be in order. Again, great pitching and timely hitting in this series.
Something to note: Giant reliever Sergio Romo should be available for Friday night’s game. He has yet to pitch this season due to injury. His presence should more than help the Giants pen.
The Giants next play Friday night as they host the St. Louis Cardinals. The Braves will venture to Phoenix to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks Thursday night.
