Despite taking a 3-0 lead in the first inning, the Giants were done in by a five-run second inning, that resulted in a 7-6 loss to Arizona. With last night’s loss, San Francisco was mathematically eliminated from any postseason chances.
Jonathan Sanchez recieved an early three-run lead to work with, but gave it back just as quickly. He lasted longer than he should have, giving up six runs on six hits, and three walks in just three and two-thirds innings. The five-run second inning frame he served up was highlighted by a two-run, two-out homer by Justin Upton that put Arizon up 6-3. Kevin Correia finished off the fourth inning, and went a total of two, but also struggled. He struck out two batters while allowing four hits, one of which was a solo homer in the sixth inning to David Eckstein. Geno Espineli ended the sixth inning with a strikeout. Billy Sadler pitched through a hitless seventh inning and into the eighth, but allowed three walks in just an inning and two-thirds. Pat Misch got the final out in the eighth inning on a groundout.
San Francisco took advantage of a fielding error, and got on the board first with three quick runs in the first inning. Their bats would remain pretty quiet until sparking a three-run rally in the ninth inning, but it was still a little too late. The first two Giants batters of the ninth inning reached on walks, and then Omar Vizquel tripled to bring the tying run to the plate. Pinch-hitter Rich Aurilia grounded out, but was able to score Vizquel from third to cut the deficit to one run. Pablo Sandoval had the other Giants extra-base hit as he went two-for-four, a double in the first inning that drove in the first run of the game. Sandoval also scored a run himself that inning, scoring from second base on Bengie Molina’s lone hit, a RBI single. Vizquel was the only other Giant with a multi-hit day, picking up an unproductive single in the middle of the game. The Giants ninth inning rally fell just short of a run.
The Giants will play the role of spoilers for the remainder of the season, starting tonight as they attempt to salvage a win from the Arizona series. The good news is that Tim Lincecum will be on the mound tonight at 6:40 p.m., but will be facing Randy Johnson.
