Three Games. Three Victories. How Sweep it is.
Finally looking like themselves again, the Giants disposed of Rockies in dramatic fashion. They didn’t look like the far superior team, but that’s nothing new for this group. All of last year, even during the playoffs, they rarely blew out their opponent.
They simply find a way to get the job done. Same Formula. Great pitching coupled with timely hitting.
Let’s start with game one.
Mr. Dependable
As per usual, a solid performance from Matt Cain (7 IP, 3 ER, 4K). That’s his sixth quality start in his last seven outings. Cain never seems to “wow” you with his stuff, and rarely puts up a Lincecum-like box score line. He’s more like Mr. Dependable. Every time he steps on the mound, he’s going to pitch well enough to give the Giants bats a chance to win it with a clutch hit. Surprise, surprise. That’s exactly what happened on Friday. Bottom of the 8th….Down 3-1…..Nate Schierholtz provided the big hit, a 2-run double to knot the game at 3. Then it was Freddy Sanchez in 9th, knocking in Cody Ross with the walk-off hit.
Clutch hitting is the name of the game. Not power. Not speed. No one performance in particular stood out, but, collectively, they find a way to get it done.
GAME ONE: GIANTS WIN: 4-3 (3 GB)
Game two had a very similar tone.
Last 3 Starts: 19 IP, 0.95 ERA
Madison Bumgarner (0-5) has been pitching very well of late, but has nothing to show for it. A 7th inning 2-Run single from Todd Helton tied the game up at 2-2 and took the W away from Bumgarner. The game remained tied entering the 9th. There seemed to be this confidence swirling around the dugout.
Watching their body language, it looked as if the Giants knew they’d pull this one out. It wasn’t a matter of if they would …but rather, when they would and who would be the hero. This time it was Aaron Rowand getting to 3rd base, and Mike Fontenot bringing him home with a towering fly ball.
GAME TWO: GIANTS WIN: 3-2 (2 GB)
Confidence brewing in the SF clubhouse spells bad news for the rest of the NL West. When you get a cocky ball club you end up with some unlikely heroes. That was the story of Game 3.
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Cody Ross provided all the offense necessary in Game Three
Raise your hand if you thought Ryan Vogelsong would have a perfect game going through 5 innings. (Yeah right). Vogelsong looked like a complete pitcher on the mound. His second impressive outing in his third time out. We haven’t heard much from the former home-grown top prospect after he was sent packing years ago in exchange for Jason Schmidt. Back in the Orange and Black, Vogelsong has quickly made fans forget about the player he replaced in the rotation.
Wondering who I’m talking about? Barry Zito. Yeah I had to think for a second too. Who just happens to be the team’s highest paid player. Don’t laugh. That’s a depressing fact.
Jorge De La Rosa was dealing for the Rockies, keeping the game close despite Vogelsong’s near flawless performance. Cody Ross had his number though. His RBI single in the 4th and his 6th inning 2-out 2-Run HR (9-pitch AB) was all the Giants got on offense, and all they ended up needing.
Got to hand it to Vogelsong, really stepped up big to complete the sweep. I think he’s earned himself a nickname. Suggestions anyone?
GAME THREE: GIANTS WIN: 3-0 (1 GB)
LOOKING FORWARD…
The Rockies came to town with a four game cushion in the division. They left without a win, and on their heels. The Giants are clicking on all cylinders right now. They made up 3 games in the NL West in 3 days. Like a true championship team, they had a GIANT opportunity and did not disappoint. Now, only one game stands between them and the Rockies.
Tonight, the Arizona Diamondbacks come to San Francisco to kick off a three game series. If the Giants keep playing at this level, the D-Backs don’t stand a chance. That being said, my money is on the Giants to take over the division lead by week’s end.