Tim Lincecum dazzled again in a 1-0 win over San Diego to sweep the two game series. Words cannot express how great this guy is, and how much of a franchise player he is. Every fifth day he goes out and gives the Giants a pretty good shot at winning. Bruce Bochy may want to consider switching up the rotation to start Lincecum against number one starters to allow struggling Barry Zito to start against “easier” opponents.
I don’t care what people say about wanting to see homeruns, a good old fashioned pitchers’ duel is way more entertaining. Lincecum had to leave the game after six and a third innings pitched because of a high pitch count, but could have gone on. He struck out nine batters, but also walked five while giving up four hits before handing the game over to the bullpen. Once again the bullpen did a good job holding onto the lead; Jack Taschner, Vinnie Chulk, and Brian Wilson controlled the Padres batters.
The Giants offense was pretty weak again, but one run was all that was needed with Lincecum on the mound. A solo homer off the bat of veteran Rich Aurilia in the seventh inning was the highlight of the games’ runs. Aurilia deposited a full-count off-speed pitch from Padres starter Chris Young into the leftfield bleachers.
After a long road trip, The Giants return home tonight for a series against the Cincinnati Reds. Jonathan Sanchez will pitch against Aaron Harang at 7:15 p.m.
