How the sputtering San Francisco Giants offense can turn things around

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Strike first, strike fast                              

“Strike often” is the next step in this progression, but let’s focus on getting on the board early to start.

In their last two series, the Giants are averaging less than half-a-run scored in the first three innings. That’s not going to cut it, particularly against stacked middle-of the-orders (Solarte-Kemp-Upton-Norris for San Diego and Cargo-Tulo-Morneau-Arenado-Dickerson for Colorado, in case you needed a refresher) that are almost guaranteed to spot their starting pitchers a couple runs.

It’s a very doable assignment with both Nori Aoki (.375 BA, .439 OBP) and Angel Pagan (.378 BA, .468 OBP) setting the table—the team just needs more productive outs and a little clutch hitting with runners in scoring position.

The Giants’ collective average with RISP during the skid: .079.