The San Francisco Giants ended their interleague play with the American League by finishing 7-8 overall. The Giants fell to the Boston Red Sox, 5-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Tim Lincecum was once again off his game. The two time Cy Young Award winner record is now 8-3 on the season. After three consecutive wins, Lincecum lost his command and only threw three innings on Sunday. In those three innings Lincecum threw 79 pitches. On pace for well over 100 pitches through four innings, manager Bruce Bochy decided to pull his ace. Lincecum allowed five hits, three hits and four runs in his three innings.
Once again Giants fans are undoubtedly worried about their star pitcher. Lincecum’s loss of command in certain outings this year only prove one thing, “The Freak”, as they call him is human. Despite Lincecum’s struggles, he is still the ace of the staff and an All-Star. With the All-Star game in a few weeks, look for Lincecum to rest and reflect, and get motivated to make a playoff run.
The Giants have no time to sulk over their up-and-down struggles with the Red Sox and the American League. Monday at AT&T Park the Giants face hated rival and divisional foe, the Los Angeles Dodgers. This is the first time the Dodgers come to San Francisco on the season. The Giants are 1-2 against the enemy to this date.
Believe it or not, this is the most important series of the season to date for San Francisco. The Giants are 3-6 in their last three series against Toronto, Houston, and Boston. Their record is now 40-34, which is not a terrible mark except for the fact that NL West leader San Diego is now 45-30, and are 4.5 games ahead of the boys from the bay. The Dodgers sit just a half game back from the Giants, so there is not an inch to spare, every game will be pivotal.
Barry Zito will look to right the ship tonight against Chad Billingsley and the Dodgers at 7:15 p.m. Expect for the Giants to be angry and put up a fight.
Go Giants.
