SF Giants: Thanks to Gorkys Hernandez, Giants Win in 11

The SF Giants defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight 4-1 in 11 innings to take the series in Los Angeles.

Gorkys Hernandez doubled in the 11th inning to score Joe Panik and give the SF Giants their first lead. Brandon Belt, who walked four times on the night, made his first hit count as he added to the lead with a single to score pinch hitter Nick Hundley.  Hunter Pence followed that up with a sacrifice fly to deep right center field to score Hernandez.

Giants starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija was brilliant, going eight innings and giving up one unearned run and three hits while striking out 11 Dodgers.

Steven Okert came in with one on in the ninth inning to face Corey Seager. Seager hit into an inning ending double play to put the game into extra innings. He followed that up with a scoreless 10th inning to earn the victory. It was his first victory of his career.

It was also the 1800th of Bruce Bochy‘s Hall of Fame career.

Dodgers starter Julio Urias pitched five shutout innings, but was pulled after a stress filled fifth inning that saw him load the bases, walking two. He walked four on the night, but lowered his season ERA to and incredible 0.84.

The Dodgers run came in the 6th inning. Yasiel Puig reached base on an error from Gold Glover Panik and Puig hustled all the way to third base on a pop up. Chris Taylor singled him in for the only run of the night for Los Angeles.

The Giants first run came in the seventh inning. Pence singled and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Pence’s good friend Buster Posey grounded out to second base, scoring Pence to tie the game.

It wasn’t until the 11th that either team scored again. The Giants, who remain in last place, win only their 11th game of the season.

Takeaways from the Game:

• Eduardo Nunez had two more hits tonight. He is now hitting .257 on the season.
• Brandon Belt walked four times.  The last time he did that was July 8, 2016 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
• Mark Melancon earned his sixth save of the season. After his second blown save of the season on Sunday, it was important for Melancon to come back strong tonight.

Pre Game Ceremonies:

Before the game, the Los Angeles Dodgers honored Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully by adding him to their ring of honor. Former Dodger Manager Tommy Lasorda and Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax unveiled the addition to the Ring of Honor.

Dodger fans got a chance to cheer once again for the only man most fans had ever heard call a game.

Vinny began as he always did: “…Hi everybody, and a very pleasant good evening to you.” He also ended with his trademark last line before a game: “It’s time for Dodger baseball.”

Vin retired last season, broadcasting his final game at AT&T Park. The Hall of Famer’s 59 years of consecutive service with the Dodgers is the longest of any current sports broadcaster with one team, according to his official website.

Next: NL West Power Rankings

The San Francisco Giants next game is Friday against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark at 3:40 PST. Matt Cain (2-0 2.30 ERA) vs Bronson Arroyo (2-2 7.20 ERA)