SF 5 LA 4
The Giants survived a three-homer game from A.J. Pollock, all solo shots, and hung on to win in Dodger Stadium. Closer Will Smith struck out LA phenom Will Smith to end it. It was an agonizing 9th, in contrast to the brisk work from Tyler Rogers in the 7th and Fernando Abad and Jandel Gustave in the 8th. Jeff Samardzija delivered a solid six (5 H, 3 R) to keep the Giants close against Clayton Kershaw. I often joke that Kershaw is the greatest pitcher in San Francisco Giants history. We have all watched his exceptional dominance against our favorite team, but they prevailed over him this time. They worked counts and ran up his pitch total in the first few innings but were unable to capitalize on some big chances. Finally after a 12-pitch walk to Kevin Pillar to open the 5th Dave Roberts came out for his super southpaw and the Giants were able to crack it open against reliever Dylan Floro. The big hits were from Yaz, pinch-hitting for Joey Rickard, and young Dubon.
Speaking of Mauricio, he doubled and homered off Kershaw, his homer tying the game in the 4th. His single in the 5th off Floro scored the final two runs that proved to be the difference. I like watching him in the field, he is very smooth and he makes everything look easy. Looks like he has a great arm as well. Big night for the rookie. Giants need infielders who can hit, let's hope he can be a fixture on the 2020 club.
That's only the 19th loss at home for the Dodgers this season. Tyler Beede goes tomorrow night at 6:10 Pacific. GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
4 comments:
many of our guys who could hit Kershaw in the past seem to all be gone from the giants system. Okay, when I say giants who could hit Kershaw, there were not many, but just a few.
That 4 run 5th was set up by Roberts' decision to IW 2 players to set up bases loaded force plays. Neither worked thanks to Yaz and Dubon.
Yeah, you have a sinker-baller and expect to get a ground ball, Yaz hits one to the wall and Dubon's grounder gets through both infielders!
Yaz' pinch-hit was a perfect illustration of the team's improved depth. The righty (Rickard) started against the lefty Kershaw and so Yaz was available when the Dodgers pulled their starter for the righty. And he's a good low-ball hitter so it was the best matchup against Floro (and it paid off).
LH RP Wandy Peralta claimed off waivers and added to the team. He's 28, from the DR, and has 150+ IP in the majors over four seasons.
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