Giants Come Back in 9th, But Falter in Extras

Aug 12, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers (21) tags out San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (8) at home during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago White Sox came in to San Francisco for a 2 game set against the Giants, which finishes out a 4 game season series against the South Side Sox. The Giants started Ryan Vogelsong (7-8) in the first game, matching him up against Sox’ ace Chris Sale (10-2).

Vogelsong gave up a couple runs early, after an awkward shuffle by Pablo Sandoval lead to getting only the force out at second, and then Adam Dunn hit an opposite 2-run shot out into left center field for the White Sox first 2 runs of the game.

The Giants had their own opportunity to put up a run, as a Hunter Pence triple set the table for Buster Posey. Posey grounded to short and a poor base-running decision lead to Pence being thrown out at home.

After the 1st inning though, Vogelsong was able to get some good command and rhythm going into the 7th inning, and collected 5 strikeouts and 3 hits. Chris Sale did one better though, going 8 innings, striking out 12 and shutting down any scoring opportunities for the Giants.

It wasn’t until the 9th when the Giants were able to capitalize on runners in scoring position, as the bases were loaded for Joe Panik. Panik hit into a double play, which was credited to the efforts of Gordon Beckham who made a nice snag and toss. A run scored on the double play, bringing up Brandon Crawford, who went 0-2 earlier in the evening.

Crawford who had been struggling mightily was called upon to get the clutch hit, and he delivered by slashing a ground ball to right field, tying the game. Blanco struck out to put the Giants into extras.

Santiago Casilla came out in the 10th with the job of preserving the tie; but after a walk and two hits, the White Sox put up a run to respond.  It would be up to the top of the Giants’ order to get them back into the game.

Unfortunately, the Giants could not get it done in the bottom of the 10th, as they dropped the first game of the series, 3-2. With that loss and another Dodger’s win, the Giants fall to 6 games behind in the NL West and are still a half game out of the 2nd wild card spot.

The Giants will play their final game against the White Sox this season tomorrow afternoon at 12:45pm. Jose Quintana (6-8) will be going up against Jake Peavy (1-12).