The San Francisco Giants picked up their first win of the season with a 5-2 victory over the Houston Astros. The clubhouse looked loose before the game, with smiles to go around.
Tim Lincecum picked up where he left off in 2009, winning. Lincecum went seven strong innings, giving up only four hits and allowing zero base-on-balls. His early season command was evident, even throwing his curve ball for strikes. He also showed his skills off at the plate, dropping down two sacrifice bunts during the game.
The new additions to the line-up this season paid dividends early. In the top of the second inning, Aubrey Huff got his first hit as a Giant. Mark DeRosa drew a walk,something the Giants struggled with last season. This was followed up by a Benjie Molina single driving in Huff. John Bowker showed why he earned the starting role this year, driving a ball off the tall wall in left field at Minute Maid Park scoring Mark DeRosa. Juan Uribe used a sacrifice fly to bring Molina home. The Giants were up 3-0 after two innings. This is good news for the club to be able to get runs in the early innings this season.
The Giants also displayed solid defense with nice running grabs by John Bowker, Aaron Rowand, and Pablo Sandoval, respectively.
Edgar Renteria landed a double to drive home Uribe in the seventh. Mark DeRosa hit his first home run as a Giant in the eighth. The Giants had a 5-0 lead before handing over the reins to the bullpen.
Sergio Romo got into a jam in the bottom of the eighth before he escaped without flaw. Brandon Medders came into close out the ninth, yet struggled giving up an infield single and two doubles, which would turn into two runs, before being pulled for closer Brian Wilson.
Wilson came in to save the game displaying his power. He faced two batters, striking out one to earn his first save of the year and preserving the 5-2 win for Lincecum.
The Giants look to continue their success this evening against the Astros at 5:05 p.m.
Taking the mound today,Barry Zito will look to start this season off with a strong outing. He will duel with Wandy Rodriguez, a talented young pitcher.
Go Giants.
