The just-completed four-game set in Philadelphia turned out to be a showcase for the Phillies. The Giants provided a bit of competition, but the show was all about the powerhouse local squad who rocketed to the best record in baseball with an emphatic sweep. There were two close games, Friday's 4-3 loss behind Jordan Hicks and Sunday's 5-4 loss behind Logan Webb. Neither starter was effective—that's the second straight poor outing by Webb. Saturday is not worth mentioning and today rookie Mason Black's debut was spoiled by Bryce Harper. He hit a three-run homer off Black today and also hit one off Webb yesterday. He had a ridiculous series: four hits, six walks, five runs, six RBI.
There was a stretch where it seemed the rotation was coming together but then Blake Snell went on the shelf, the aces wilted, and the rookies got hammered. Kyle Harrison had a decent start in Boston and he'll get the start in Colorado tomorrow (5:40 PT).
The league averages 4.34 runs scored per game. The Giants don't score enough (3.67 rpg) and don't prevent scoring (4.81 rpg) well enough, either. They actually have a better record than their run difference (-41) suggests but that's not reassuring. This series in Philly was very discouraging. I realize they are really good but that's no excuse for such a pasting. I thought the problem with the last few years of Giants teams was the manager and the players. So they got a new manager and new players and yet they have the same results. Their 15-21 record is good for a .417 percentage. Only five teams are worse. Good thing there are a lot of games (126) left.
Like I said, they go to Colorado. Wednesday is also 5:40 (Hicks) and the getaway game Thursday is 12:10 (Winn). They are back home Friday where they are at least a decent team (9-7).
Go Giants!
--M.C.
2 comments:
After a good home stand that easily could have been better, the road trip has been awful. Poor defense, suspect pitching, and a pathetic offense. 2 catchers down. Soler is day to day, Chapman's flirtation with the Mendoza line seems to have affected his defense. 11 strikeouts for Wheeler! If there's a bright spot, it seems to be Randy Rodriguez.
Yes, ready to root for Randy Ro!
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