The San Francisco Giants behind Tim Lincecum got an important win to begin the 2010 second half. Lincecum went the distance and shut out the New York Mets on Thursday night. This is the fourth shut out of Lincecum’s career, his tenth win on the season, and the 50th win of Lincecum’s MLB lifetime. 50 wins is a minor milestone in what seems to be a Hall of Fame career for the 26 year old from Bellevue, Washington. Lincecum only needed 110 pitches in the game, striking out five, walking only one.
The Giants are now 8-2 in their last ten games. This recent success comes after going 1-9 the ten games prior to that, dating back to June 23rd. What the Giants need is consistent play if they are to have a chance in the second half. Lincecum came to the mound Thursday night and delivered a masterpiece that could set the tone for the Giants.
The Giants are now 48-41, 3.5 games back of NL West leader, San Diego. This will be the tightest division in the big leagues coming down the stretch. The Giants must be consistent on the mound and at the plate if they are to make the playoffs. The Giants have 63 games left, 46 of which are against teams with a winning record. The boys from the bay also have 47 games left in the division. The Giants clearly have no room to spare. The squad is 9-20 against the division right now, last in the NL West. It’s time to put up or shut up for the Giants, time to get tough.
One man that put up instead of shut up Thursday night was Giants third basemen, Pablo Sandoval. The Panda may have got his biggest hit of the year early in the game yesterday, driving in Buster Posey and give Lincecum a 1-0. Sandoval came into the second half hitting .263 after hitting .330 last season. The Giants need Sandoval to get going to be a winner in 2010. The look of enthusiasm on Pablo’s face told the story Thursday night, as Sandoval got the boost he needed.
The Giants also need Buster Posey to keep up the good work. Posey may be the hottest man on the planet in the month of July. Posey was named NL player of the week last week, and is 22/43 for the month. Wow. Since the Benjie Molina trade, Posey is hitting .500. Maybe it’s that Buster Posey feels comfortable, catching consistently since the move. Maybe it’s that Buster Posey realizes the time is now, and he has to guide his pitching staff and ball club to the postseason. Posey drove in the other run last night, sealing the 2-0 Giants victory. Regardless, if Giants to the likes of Sandoval and Posey get hot and stay hot, the team will be tough to deny.
Barry Zito will take the mound tonight vs. the Mets. Zito is 7-4, and will face Jon Niese, who is 6-3. The teams face off at 7:35 p.m. Every games is a must for the Giants from this point forward.
Go Giants.
On a side note; Giants signed pitcher Dontrelle Willis to a minor league deal.
