After an unusual pitcher’s duel, Coors Field looked more like itself, featuring seventeen runs scored between the Giants and Rockies in the finale of the series. Despite jumping out to a 4-0 lead, San Francisco and Colorado traded runs throughout most of the game, but the Giants prevailed, winning 10-7.
Neither of tonight’s starting pitchers had anything good to write home about, combining for less than nine innings pitched. Jonathan Sanchez was hit up for seven earned runs on nine hits in five innings of work. He also allowed three walks while striking out five, but still was credited with the win. The bullpen had to work hard to shutdown the Rockies offense after Sanchez left with a slim 8-7 lead. Billy Sadler pitched an inning and two-thirds, striking out four batters, walking one, and allowing just a single. Jack Taschner was unable to finish off the seventh inning, allowing both of the batters he faced to reach base, one on a single and another on a walk. Keiichi Yabu was brought in, and struck out the final batter to end the Rockies threat after San Francisco had just extended their lead to three runs. Tyler Walker pitched a scoreless eighth inning, giving up a double and allowing a walk. Brian Wilson earned his nineteenth save of the season, pitching a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts.
It was an offensive day for the Giants, everyone got in on the action, even Sanchez. The starting pitcher helped himself out by scoring two runs and going two-for-three with an RBI. Leadoff man Fred Lewis gave San Francisco a 4-0 lead in the second inning with a three-run homer, and finished the day two-for-five. Second baseman Ray Durham collected his two-thousandth career hit, going two-for-five with two runs batted in. John Bowker scored three of the ten runs after reaching base on a double and two singles in the game. First baseman Rich Aurilia drove in three runs on his two singles.
The Giants return home on Friday to host the A’s in the annual Battle of the Bay series starting at 7:15 p.m. This year both teams will play at AT&T Park. Former Oakland ace Barry Zito will start game one for the Giants, and Greg Smith will pitch for the A’s.
