The Giants wrapped up the weekend with a 8-2 win over St. Louis to win the series. Two early scoring opportunities that the Giants were able to cash in on provided all the offense needed to decide the outcome of the game.
Cardinals batters were able to work long at-bats to get Jonathan Sanchez out of the game after five innings, but he looked to be in control while he was in the game. Sanchez only allowed two hits, but also allowed four walks, and still managed to strike out five batters. Keiichi Yabu and Merkin Valdez combined for three near perfect innings, allowing only one baserunner. Vinnie Chulk, recently returning from injury struggled to end the game, giving up the shutout in the ninth; he allowed two runs on four hits.
It was a good day offensively too, all the players that started the game got on base with hits. Catcher Bengie Molina has continued to fuel the team’s run production, going three-for-five today with two doubles, and a single while driving in three runs. The six-run third inning got started with another homerun by John Bowker, and the flood gates opened up. Six consecutive hits later, the score was 6-0 and the Giants were in business.
The Giants will start a short two-game series tomorrow at 6:40 p.m. at Arizona. The D-backs have played the Giants pretty well so far this season, but they are bringing some momentum into this short series. Kevin Correia will oppose Micah Owings in game one, who is currently 3-0; it will be key to rattle him early.
