It looks like this could be a tough road trip, after tonight’s 12-6 loss. These first four road games have only resulted in one win for the Giants. In the first game of the series at Pittsburgh, Giants pitchers looked as if they were throwing batting practice to the Pirates hitters.
Jonathan Sanchez pitched more like Barry Zito, than his regular self. Things fell apart for him in the third inning when he gave up the first three runs of seven in only four and a third innings. He gave up two homeruns, walked three, and struck out a sub-par four batters. Brad Hennessey relieved the worn out Sanchez, and attempted to stop the bleeding. The Pirates hitters hit him around too, scoring five earned runs off him in just two and a third innings. Merkin Valdez retired the one batter he faced in the seventh inning. Vinnie Chulk pitched a solid eighth inning, allowing just one hit, but by then the damage was already done.
Pirates starter Zach Duke dominated the Giants for most of the game, until they got on him in the seventh and eighth innings for three runs. But by then the Giants were already down 9-0, the offensive effort was just a little too late. Giants third baseman Jose Castillo drove in three runs on a homerun off Pittsburgh reliever Sean Burnett in the eighth inning. Speedy utility man, Eugenio Velez earned his fourth triple of the season in the ninth inning. First baseman Rich Aurilia has continued to hit the ball well lately, going three-for-four tonight with a double and two singles, raising his batting average to .284.
After a short bullpen stint, Zito, who is still winless, will return to the rotation tomorrow to face Pirates rookie Phil Dumatrait in game two of the Pittsburgh series at 4:05 p.m. Zito’s return to the rotation is due in part to Noah Lowry’s slow recovery and continual delayed return from the disabled list. Perhaps Zito will finally earn his first win of the 2008 season tomorrow. In other injury news, veteran shortstop Omar Vizquel has been rehabing at Class A San Jose and Triple-A Fresno, and is expected to be back with the big club next week.
