The bats got going, but the bullpen continued to struggle. Lately, relievers have had trouble securing any lead. Tonight the Giants gave up another loss, 13-8; at least the hitters were able to start swinging their bats and score some runs.
Matt Cain started the game in Cy Young fashion, but things fell apart in the fifth inning. He lasted seven innings, giving up a run in the fifth inning, then three in the sixth, and two more in his final inning. Four of the six hits he allowed were homeruns. Tyler Walker gave up three runs in the eighth inning, and closer Brian Wilson attempted to keep it a close game in the ninth, but blew up in the ninth to give Chicago another four runs. The late inning collapse destroyed any hope of the Giants coming back.
Third baseman Jose Castillo moved up in the lineup and produced two hits from the two slot, scoring two runs and driving in two with a double and a single. Second baseman Ray Durham went three-for-four, batting third, all three of his hits were singles. Rightfielder Randy Winn legged out his first triple of the season for his only hit of the game. Catcher Bengie Molina hit cleanup, and also drove in two runs. The three-four-five hitters drove in six of the eight Giants runs.
The Giants will start a road trip at Colorado on Monday. Pat Misch will pitch against Jorge De La Rosa, game time is scheduled for 5:35 p.m. The National League champions will be a tough opponent, but the Giants really have no choice but to try to carry last nights’ offensive momentum into today to get back to winning.
