Giantsblog

San Francisco wrapped up the 2008 season this afternoon with 3-1 win over the Dodgers. Tim Lincecum earned his eighteenth win of the year, giving him a final record of 18-5, with a 2.62 ERA.
Lincecum also picked up thirteen strikeouts over seven innings pitched. He gave up just four hits and two walks, allowing Los Angeles to take a 1-0 lead in the third inning for their only run scored. His record and strikeout total will likely give him a shot at the NL Cy Young award. Sergio Romo pitched a perfect eighth inning, setting up a save opportunity for Brian Wilson. Despite giving up a double and single in the ninth inning, Wilson was able to get out of trouble and earn his forty-first save of the year.
The Giants bats were pretty quiet through most of the game, but came up with three late runs to lead San Francisco to a comeback win. Pablo Sandoval hit a game-tying, pinch-hit single in the seventh inning that scored Emmanuel Burriss. Nate Schierholtz was two-for-four on the day with a double and single, his single in the seventh inning scored Dave Roberts to put the Giants ahead 2-1. Rich Aurilia scored the third San Francisco run in the eighth inning, giving the Giants some insurance after scoring on one of Randy Winn’s two singles of the game.
Overall, the Giants finished the year with a 72-90 record, good enough to finish fourth in the NL West. Some of the surprises this year included Sandoval’s stellar play after being called up to the Big League, Bengie Molina having a great year, and Lincecum’s Cy Young caliber pitching.