That's what Kruk & Kuip called the speedy youngster after his performance tonight, and it's hard to argue. He went from 1st to 3rd on an errant pick off throw in the 10th inning, then dashed home on Freddy Sanchez' ground ball with a drawn-in infield to score the go-ahead run. He'd already scored the tying run as a pinch runner in the 8th, going from 1st to 3rd on another little ground ball by Freddy Sanchez, this one squirting into left field when the shortstop covered second on the play. Darren Ford got on base and made things happen and the Giants stole a win in Pittsburgh.
Pirates starter Charlie Morton pitched well, and deserved better, and looked poised to get the better of the career leader in Deserved Better, Matt Cain. The Pirates made Cain pay for his only walk. With two outs in the 6th, Matt Diaz worked his way on and alertly stole 2nd base, just ahead of a high throw from Posey. Lyle Overbay, down 0-2, fought back to 2-2 and then singled him home. It was only a little lapse by Cain, but it was almost enough to lose the game. He faced 23 batters in his six innings, throwing 97 pitches, good for a Game Score of 61.
Aaron Rowand deserves some notice for his two big base hits. All three of the Giants runs came from the lead off spot. Rowand doubled and scored in the 6th, and singled to open the 8th when Ford replaced him. Ford was safe on a fielder's choice in the 10th and scored the eventual game-winner. This was a tough, hard-fought game. The Giants ground out a gutty win on the road. It feels good after the rotten weekend.
--M.C.
1 comment:
Sure is easy to fall in love with speed, but I really don't see Ford as a difference maker. I don't mean to rain on Ford's parade, BUT the guy hasn't got a hit yet!! He's a great pinch runner but don't forget Rowand is who got him on base. He sure didn't show anything with that botched bunt either.
Now Gary Brown may actually be the real deal, but we have a few years before we find out.
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