Alex Wood had his best start of the season, throwing seven scoreless innings allowing only three hits and a walk with eight strikeouts. He was in command the entire time and was efficient, 83 pitches total, and got nine ground ball outs. That's a good thing to see. Wood has been struggling late in his starts and not getting into or through the 6th but today in San Diego he had plenty of gas and plenty of focus. I thought he might get a shot in the 8th but it was smart to sit him down and not let his best effort go bad. Yunior Marte put a guy on in his first frame and loaded the bases in the 9th but saved himself with strikeouts to keep the shutout intact. The starting pitchers were awesome in this series: 24 IP and a mere two runs allowed.
But the lineup stole the thunder today. They banged out 17 hits and scored in double digits for the first time since the 21st of June. Wilmer Flores had the ultra-clutch two-run homer in yesterday's Rodónian masterpiece. He topped that with an epic performance today, rapping out four hits including two homers and four runs batted in. Wilmer is one of those guys you have to follow regularly to appreciate what a fine ballplayer he is and how much he helps the club.
Mackenzie Gore is a very impressive kid and has pitched well but the Giants clobbered him today. Thairo Estrada hit a two-run homer (nice to have him back) in the 2nd to get it started and the floodgates opened after that. Austin Slater, David Villar, Mike Yastrzemski, and Luis González all had two hits. Joey Bart had a hit, two walks, and a run scored.
We all know the Giants need a spark. A lift. Some inspiration. Carlos Rodón delivered that yesterday with an assist from Wilmer Flores. Alex Wood did it today--again with lots of help from Wilmer Flores. Wilmer's teammates stepped up as well and that's pretty damn inspiring, too. Let's hope the team can keep the good vibes flowing.
They are at home tomorrow night and play the Diamondbacks at 6:45 Pacific. Alex Cobb gets the ball.
Go Giants!
--M.C.
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