San Francisco Giants’ losing streak climbs to five straight as they fall to the Nationals

By Toni Cecchetti | Jul 4, 2015

Jul 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) is removed from the game against the Washington Nationals by San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy (15) during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

I am super happy. Ecstatic even. You’re probably asking “why?” Well, I’ll tell you, it’s because Saturday’s game is over and we never have to watch it again. Ever. Let freedom ring.

It was not exactly a happy Fourth of July as the Giants got off to a rocky start in our nation’s capitol. In just five pitches, Madison Bumgarner gave up three runs–two were home runs–on three hits.

It was not a good way to start the day.

Last week, the dictionary.com word of the day was stinkaroo. It’s a slang term–a noun, meaning something markedly inferior in quality. I thought “what a great word! I can’t wait to use it in a sentence.” Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think the opportunity to use the word would come from the Giants. But it did.

Saturday’s Giants game was a real stinkaroo.

Manager Bruce Bochy did something he hasn’t had to do in a long time–he pulled Bumgarner out of the game early. Bumgarner went five innings, he gave up six runs on eight hits and one walk, He struck out four.

The Giants offense didn’t do much until the seventh inning, although the first base runner they were able to get on was in the second inning–Brandon Belt drew a walk, but according to Kruk “he got a little froggy” and got picked off. Add it to the growing list of Giants base running mistakes.

More from SF Giants Prospects

At one point during the game Kruk said, “I don’t believe the Giants can run the bases any more poorly than they have the first two games of this series. It’s been unbelievable.”

Still, I tried to keep the hope alive. In the seventh inning, the Giants scored one run–Buster Posey hit a single, Belt followed with a double and Brandon Crawford scored Buster with a sac fly. The new kid, Ryan Lollis was up next. I had my fingers crossed that he would have some of that great beginners luck, maybe get a nice base hit or a double, but he lined out to end the inning. He’ll get ’em next time–he’s gotta get a big hit–it’s practically a thing.

I said–to no one in particular because that’s who is usually listening, “hey, it ain’t over yet, we could get that “magic wandoo” eighth inning and turn this whole thing around. All it would take is five runs. We can do this, right? #WeAreGiants, after all, aren’t we?

Then in the bottom half of the inning, Yusmeiro Petit intentionally walked the bases loaded with one out. I thought, “ok, we’re going for the double play right here.” Then he walked the next batter, walking in a run, the one after hit a sac fly, scoring another run and when the next guy hit a single, he plated the batter that was intentionally walked.

Ehire Adrianza–welcome back to the bigs!–pinch hit in the pitcher’s spot in the eighth inning, doubled, and scored when Gregor Blanco followed with a double. Andrew Susac scored a run in the ninth inning after being hit by a pitch and coming home on another Belt double. The final score was: Giants 3, Nationals 9

The Giants are on a five game losing streak. Time to start celebrating the little things. #WeAreGiants fans after all, and we’re going to celebrate whatever we’ve got. Here’s something to celebrate: Belt hit his 100th career double. When you consider this is just his fifth year in the bigs, that’s pretty darn good. He’s even more impressive in the triples category.

So excuse me while I break out the good stuff to celebrate Belt’s milestone. Tott’s, anyone? You didn’t think I was going to open the Veuve, did you? I’m saving that for his 500th, because I’m a believer and I know that’s going to happen. I like his chances.

Home/SF Giants Prospects