The Giants dominated Arizona in an unusual way in the second game of the series, with their bats. An offensive effort that included just one homerun had Giants hitters taking advantage of scoring opportunities, and easily defeated the D-backs 11-3.
Jonathan Sanchez did not need to pitch well on Wednesday with all the runs his offense put up for him, but he did anyway. He gave two runs on six hits through six innings of work while striking out six batters. Jack Taschner pitched a scoreless seventh inning, allowing just one hit and getting one strikeout. Vinnie Chulk took over in the eighth inning, allowing a two-out solo homer to D-backs third baseman Mark Reynolds. He faced and retired one more batter in the ninth inning before giving the ball to Alex Hinshaw. Hinshaw took care of both hitters he was brought in to face to end the game.
Eleven runs scored is the new season high for the Giants. San Francisco got on the board first in the second inning thanks to a solo shot by Ray Durham. They added another run in the third inning. The fifth and sixth innings were big, the Giants produced two back-to-back four-run innings, and added another “insurance” run in the seventh, the game was already out of had with an 11-2 score. Despite going one-for-three, the leadoff man, Fred Lewis scored three runs, reaching base on a single and three walks. Third baseman Jose Castillo was three-for-six with a double and two singles, he scored one run. Bengie Molina has been seeing the ball well these last two weeks, raising his overall average to .339 after tonight’s three-for-four performance. He drove in two runs and scored two himself with a double and two singles, he also reached base once via the walk. Aaron Rowand also drove in two and scored two runs, going two-for-three, both hits were singles. In addition to his homerun that started the scoring, Durham also hit a bases-loaded double that scored three runs. Today was a day the Giants could confidently say “Who needs Barry Bonds?!”
The final game of the series is set for 6:40 p.m. Barry Zito will look to build on his first successful outing of the season and lead the Giants to a sweep. D-backs veteran Randy Johnson will attempt to salvage a win for Arizona. Hopefully tonight’s offense will continue to swing hot sticks against the intimidating lefty.
