Final week

SF 5  MIN 2

It was a nice, crisp win featuring a cool debut from Bo Davidson but marred by an injury to starter Blade Tidwell. Davidson, once known as "The JUCO Barry Bonds" got a hit in his first plate appearance, stole second, and scored on a Brett Harris single. The 23-year old from North Carolina was killing it in the minors (.290/.361./.527) with 55 XBH in 125 G.

Tidwell, acquired in the Tyler Rogers trade, has shown some real promise as a starter for next season. Let's hope his arm injury in not serious. Tristan Beck came up big with 2-2/3 scoreless after Tidwell exited.

The big bat belonged to Drew Gilbert. The former first-rounder came in the same Rogers trade and is looking more and more like a full-time outfielder.

Five more games to go, all at home. Tonight's at 6:45 Pacific.

Go Giants!

--M.C. 

Technical issues

I apologize for the look of the blog. It's not my doing. Google's product ("Blogger") seems to have a mind of its own. I cannot make the blog display the sidebars where I have all the links and images. I'll try to figure it out, but this is legacy software (read: old) and who knows what kind of support is out there.

Meanwhile, you can still read the posts and make comments.

--M.C.

Nice and unexpected!

SF 6  STL 5 (10)

The Giants blew a lead in the 9th (what's new?) and tried again in the 10th but hung on for gutsy win. Jonah Cox, Andrew Knizner, and Shay Whitcomb combined for eight hits and a run apiece. Drew Gilbert hit the big pinch-homer in extras and the no-namers got it done. Bryce (I'm just going to call him that from now on) was without a hit but walked twice and his spot scored (Grant McCray PR) in front of Gilbert's blast.

FNG Anthony Molina gets a game ball for 5-2/3 scoreless innings. The bullpen gave up five hits and six walks which led to all five runs. Molina came to us in the Tyer Mahle trade.

It's on to LA to face the Dodgers over the weekend. Friday night's game starts at 7:15 Pacific.

Go Giants!

--M.C.

#63

SF 10  STL 3

The Giants avoid historic ignominy by securing their 63rd win and guaranteeing that the team will not lose 100 games. A small victory to be sure but a victory nonetheless in this victory-starved season.

Big nights from two players who represent the future for SFG: Blade Tidwell and Bryce Eldridge. Tidwell threw a sterling 6-2/3 to stymie the Cardinal offense on just three hits. It's hard to know if the 25-year old righty from Tennessee is going to make it as an ML starter but we have to start somewhere! It's clear the organization likes him and is going to give him the opportunity to "serve notice" and grab a rotation spot.

Bryce hit his 17th homer (461 feet!) and his 23rd double. I think it is safe to say that this kid is the "real deal" and will be a middle-of-the-order force for the club next year and beyond.

It's an early game tomorro, 10:15 Pacific.

Go Giants!

--M.C.