San Francisco– The Giants remained the hottest team in baseball, sweeping the hated Los Angeles Dodgers in a three game series. More importantly, pitcher Matt Cain beat the Dodgers for the first time in his career, in his fifteenth attempt. The Giants took Sunday’s game 2-0, scoring two in the bottom of the sixth with an Edgar Renteria triple, scoring Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell.
Giants received help from newly acquired Javier Lopez, who faced one batter and needed only two pitches in the eighth inning. Lopez is the new lefty coming out of the bullpen. As of right now, Lopez is the only lefty in the pen. Closer Brian Wilson returned from back spasms and picked up save number 31 on the season.
The Giants are now 1 1/2 games behind San Diego, and hold a two game lead in the Wild Card standings. The Giants now have a record of 61-45, which is just what they needed heading into August and a much needed off day. The Padres have three games in hand, but this is the Giants first true off day( minus the All-Star break) since June 21. With the bulk of the schedule behind them, the Giants will enjoy three days off in August, and four days in September. This could play crucial, as the Giants will get a chance to rest the bullpen and their veterans during those days off.
In that span, the boys from the bay have played 38 games, and have a 23-15 record . This is a good mark, especially considering the Giants lost eight in a row to in those 38 games. Even better news, the Giants are 9-2 versus NL West opponents since the All-Star break. They were 9-19 heading into the break, and clearly that is an area they are improving on.
The Giants head to the Rocky Mountains for a quick two game set versus the Rockies starting Tuesday. Clearly they would like to continue their second half dominance and take two from Colorado. After that, its off to Atlanta, where the Braves are leading the NL East and have a dangerous line-up. The Giants are up to the tasks though, as it looks like the squad is clicking on all cylinders heading down the stretch. The team looks like they are truly having fun, which speaks volumes for the confidence. The line-up top-to-bottom is contributing and the Giants are clearly striking fear into the National League. Good luck on the road.
Go Giants.
