It appeared it was going to be a rough day after Giants starter Kevin Correia was forced to leave the game after retiring just one batter due to a strained oblique muscle in his left side, and it was. Although the pitchers game up tons of runs, the offense came out swinging today, but still fell short 10-9 against the Cincinnati Reds.
Brad Hennessey came into the game cold once Correia got hurt, he gave up three runs on six hits over three innings before handing the game over to the rest of the bullpen. They will need a rest tomorrow after having to work so much in relief today. Keiichi Yabu and Jack Taschner each surrendered three more runs before Merkin Valdez and Vinnie Chulk worked near perfect innings, each only giving up one hit.
The Giants batters did not quit today, but could have at least used one more run late in the game. Leftfielder Fred Lewis looked like a smaller version of Barry Bonds, homering into McCovey Cove for a “Splash Hit”, he also singled and tripled, scoring three of the nine Giants runs. Batting second, Eugenio Velez drove in three runs, also hitting a triple and a single. Rich Aurilia also hit a solo homer and singled tonight. Despite coming up with four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Giants lost the game, but offensively it was a good sign.
Hopefully Correia’s injury is not serious, but if it is, Noah Lowry will be returning to the rotation soon. The Giants will wrap up their series with the Reds tomorrow at 1:05 p.m. Barry Zito will continue to look for his first win of the season and will match-up against Edinson Volquez.
