The Giants looked as if they were going to win their first game of the season last night against the Dodgers, but their bullpen and inability to cash in on scoring chances let them down. They were defeated 3-2 after taking a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning. Although they lost the game, both starters were impressive and the game quickly turned into an entertaining pitching showdown.
Matt Cain dominated the Dodgers lineup, striking out five, walking four, and allowing only three hits through five and two-thirds innings. He was forced to leave the game earlier than he might have wanted to, but a high pitch count did not allow him to go on. Jack Taschner relieved Cain to finish off the sixth inning. Things got ugly after that, Brad Hennessey was unable to pitch a scoreless seventh and needed the help of Tyler Walker to finish off the inning. Hennessey was credited with two earned runs on four hits in two-thirds of an inning. Keiichi Yabu attempted to keep the game going and force extra innings, but gave up the winning run and earned the loss on an infield single by pinch-hitter Delwyn Young.
The Giants offense got going, getting ten hits as a team, two of which came off Aaron Rowand’s bat again (two singles). Brian Bocock worked a bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning off Dodgers reliever Joe Beimel to bring in the Giants first run of the game. Pinch-hitter, Eugenio Velez followed up with a bloop single that dropped in front of Dodgers centerfielder Andruw Jones, scoring the second run and chasing Beimel from the game.
Coming within one strike of a victory last night, the Giants will look to avoid a series sweep tonight at 7:10 p.m. Young, but talented pitcher, Tim Lincecum will take the mound for the Giants, while Chad Billingsley will start the game for the Dodgers.
