Despite taking the lead on a tenth inning homerun by Aaron Rowand, the Giants gave up a walk-off win in the bottom half of the frame to lose 6-5. A big three-run seventh inning allowed San Francisco to get back in the game and nearly pulled off the comeback.
Rookie Pat Misch, who was filling into the rotation for Barry Zito, went four innings and gave up four runs. First inning runs have been a problem for Giants starters this season. Keiichi Yabu relieved him and pitched two hitless innings. The bullpen will be tired tonight after many of the relievers saw action. Vinnie Chulk, Jack Taschner, Tyler Walker, and Merkin Valdez helped keep the damage to a minimum, putting the Giants in extras. Closer Brian Wilson came in for the save in the tenth, but instead gave up a two-out two-run walk-off shot to Pat Burrell.
First baseman John Bowker led the Giants offense, going four-for-five, all of his hits were singles. The middle of the order fueled the Giants comeback, stringing several hits together. Randy Winn went three-for-five, also with three singles. Rowand, Jose Castillo, and Emmanuel Burriss had two hits a piece. The seventh inning was crucial for the Giants, as they managed to tie up the game with three runs. The big inning started with three consecutive singles, and then San Francisco just built off those.
As of the bottom of the fifth inning, the Giants are tied with the Phillies, 2-2 in the second game of the series. Matt Cain started the game for San Francisco and appears to be effective tonight. Outfielder Fred Lewis helped the Giants get an early lead after walking to start the game, stole second, and was driven in on a Winn single.
