Tim Lincecum Is Back? Giants Top Rockies 6-3

September 18, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum (55) watches a ball go foul against the Colorado Rockies during the sixth inning at AT&T Park. ©Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

Is Tim Lincecum back? That question was thrown around a lot after last night’s game, despite the fact that Timmy was in no way dominate. However, Lincecum didn’t allow a run in his 6.1 innings pitched, something that, even while he’s been somewhat good as of late, he hadn’t been able to accomplish recently (or what feels like all season). Reporters even asked Bruce Bochy that direct question in the post-game interview. His reply wasn’t an emphatic “yes!”, but rather in some regards, Tim is back. He has confidence and swag back. The “F*ck Yeah!” Timmy is back perhaps, he’s just not pitching exactly like the two-time Cy Young winner. But he’s limiting the damage, he’s getting out of trouble, and he’s letting his fielders do some of the work.

His line last night was 6.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO, 0 HR. That also brings his season ERA down to 4.91, and while that still doesn’t sound impressive by anyone’s standards, consider this: This is the first time since early in the season that his ERA has been under 5. So, in a way, Yes, Tim Lincecum is back. He’s not the same guy we’re all used to, but his spirit is back, and as long as he keeps his attitude and confidence up, I think we’re going to be happy with what we see in the likely scenario of a post-season run.

But, we’ll move along since there actually was a game he pitched last night.

The San Francisco Giants beat the Colorado Rockies 6-3 at AT&T Park last night.

Pitching: The Giants held the Rockies scoreless until the 8th inning when Santiago Casilla gave up a 2 run home run to Wilin Rosario (which included a runner he inherited from Jeremy Affeldt). Despite having an earned run, Affeldt really saved the 7th inning, and Lincecum, by getting Jason Giambi to hit into a double play in a bases loaded situation to end the inning. Sergio Romo also allowed a run to score in the 9th, which he inherited from Guillermo Mota, but did what Romo does and finished it off.

The Giants bullpen has combined for 50 Saves this season. Second, only to Cincinnati in the majors, who have 51 Saves.

Batting: Marco Scutaro did what Marco Scutaro does and got 3 hits, scored 2 runs, and chipped in 1 RBI last night. Before coming to the Giants, he was hitting somewhere around .270. Since joining the Giants, he’s increased his season average to an even .300. The only other Giants than can claim a .300 or above on the season are Buster Posey and well, Santiago Casilla, who is giving Posey a run for his money on having the highest BA on the team (I joke, I joke). Xavier Nady came through with 2 RBIs, going 2 for 3 on the night. He’s certainly not Melky Cabrera in left field, but if he keeps doing that, I’ll be happy.

Buster Posey saw 2 intentional walks. Pablo Sandoval and Hector Sanchez chipped in a couple hits a piece, and Angel Pagan and Hunter Pence contributed an RBI each. Pagan added yet another triple, and leads MLB in that category this season.

The Giants and the Rockies hit the field tonight at 7:15pm for Game 3 of a 4 game series.

The Giants “Magic Number” is now 7 and they lead the NL West 8.5 games. If that doesn’t give you a reason to be excited, I don’t know what will.

The Dodgers have a double header with the Nationals today, after a rain out last night.