A game in which the Giants were in total control, fell apart in the eighth and ninth innings. The Astros came back from a four-run deficit in the eighth inning and took a one-run lead in the ninth, eventually winning the series finale 8-7.
Tim Lincecum had another quality start and deserved to win, but the bullpen collapse in the late innings let him down. He struck out ten Astros hitters in just six innings of work, but also gave up three walks and five hits. He only got into trouble in the fourth inning when he allowed three runs, letting Houston get back in the game. After getting the third out in the seventh inning, Tyler Walker was only able to get one out in the eighth. He gave up a solo shot to Carlos Lee, cutting the lead to three runs, and then Darin Erstad hit a much needed three-run homer off him as well, tying the game. Alex Hinshaw made his Major League debut, allowing a hit in just a third of an inning. Vinnie Chulk finished off the eighth inning, and gave up the lead on another solo homerun in the ninth inning by Astros first baseman Lance Berkman.
The offense has come alive this month, the Giants got a quick lead, scoring two runs in the first inning, and added four more in the third to give Lincecum a 6-0 lead to work with. They added one more run in the fourth inning before closing the book on Astros starter Chris Sampson. Omar Vizquel and Randy Winn each went three-for-five, and Aaron Rowand was two-for-five. They provided most of the offense, as well as a two-run double and sacrifice fly by John Bowker. Two of Winn’s hits were doubles, he also scored two runs. Vizquel accounted for three of the Giants runs.
The Giants will host the White Sox tonight in interleague play. The first game of the three-game series is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Jonathan Sanchez will be matched up against Gavin Floyd. The White Sox are .500, and San Francisco is eight games under .500.
