Hanley Strikes As Giants Drop Series Opener To Dodgers In Extra Innings

It was a Matt Cain start, so you knew it would have one thing – little run support. And little run support it had. The Giants were mystified by rookie pitcher Stephen Fife who tossed 6.1 innings of one run ball. That’s not to say the Giants didn’t have a few chances – they did – but great defense by the Dodgers spoiled those opportunities until the 8th when Brandon Belt struck. The struggling first baseman cracked his bat, but sent a bleeding blooper over the infield scoring two runs, tying the game at 3-3. The two teams needed extras after some drama from Santiago Casilla in the ninth, which eventually lead to newest Dodger Hanley Ramirez unloading on a two out, Sergio Romo slider, sending it over the left-center wall for a two-run dinger.

The homer didn’t come without controversy though as many thought Andre Ethier struck out in the previous AB, which would’ve ended the inning. Here’s the pitch (thanks to @mrcinsc ) – you make the call:

Ramirez didn’t make any friends either, mocking the Giants’ bench as he rounded the diamond post HR, showing the immaturity that essentially forced the Marlins to cut ties with the talented infielder.

The Giants mounted a small rally in the bottom of the 10th, getting the tying runs on base and the winning run to the dish, but couldn’t get any further.

Have A Night Belt – If there was any time for Brandon Belt to come out of his prolonged slump, you’d be hard pressed to think of one better than right now. Belt, who was more or less publicly blasted (again) by Bruce Bochy indeed put on his “big boy pants” and delivered a solid night, going 3-5 with 2 RBI and a SB. Hopefully it’s more than a one night show for Belt, as the Giants are in need of his bat just as bad as he needs to get it going.

Goodbye Burriss? – As noted earlier, the Giants made a trade with the Colorado Rockies during the tilt tonight that will bring over infielder Emmanuel Burriss. No corresponding roster move was announced, but it’s tough to imagine the Giants keeping both Burriss and Arias on the roster with the added Scutaro. If it is indeed the end, Burriss’ five year career as a Giant could be over if he doesn’t clear waivers (LOLZ). I can see the tears already from the orange and black faithful.

The loss moves the Dodgers a game closer to the Giants, who now hold a 2 game lead in first place.

Keep in mind, tomorrow’s original start time was changed to 1:05 Pacific and will be a Fox game, so tune in on the right channel, at the right time.