Barry Zito out-pitched Ryan Vogelsong and the Giants got 30 hits and scored 19 runs to sweep the Cubs and win their seventh game in a row. It wasn't long ago I was gnashing my teeth in the midst of a five game losing streak. Now they are the hottest team in the league and have surged to a three-game lead. At 46-34, the Giants are second only to the Phillies (50-30) in the NL. In the AL, the Yankees (46-31) and the Red Sox (45-33) are the two best teams and the only ones with a better win percentage (the Sawx by only .002). That's select company--the 2010 champs, the 2009 champs, the 2008 champs, and the 2007 champs.
I was really impressed tonight with Zito's last two innings. He seemed to get command of all his pitches as he went deeper in the game. I kept saying to his HD image: "You're a major league pitcher. You can get major league hitters out!" It seemed to work. If Barry Zito is your worst pitcher, then you have a hell of a staff. Ryan Vogelsong gave up six runs (three earned) in five innings in the first game. Who knew he would get 11 runs of support? Here's Vogelsong's 12 starts by Game Score: 59, 30, 74, 64, 65. 64, 52, 76, 51, 57, 67, 39. Only two stinkers in the bunch, both wins. The Giants are 16-5 against left-handed starters.
--M.C.
4 comments:
They just keep surprising us, and I don't know why we are ever surprised in the first place!
Winning against left handers? Perhaps Aaron Rowand's crisp .410 average against lefties has something to do with it. You read that right - Aaron Rowand. Seven wins in a row and Timmy taking the mound today - I like it.
Rowand is the best hitter in the NL vs. LHP. I also liked Brandon Crawford's run-saving grab in game 2. He's exceptional--what a joy to watch.
30 hits in one day has to be some kind of record, or at least the best in a long, long time.
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