Giants lose seventh straight, fall to 26-46 as The End Times approach

The Braves scored a lot more runs than the Giants, the bullpen collapsed and it wasn’t even a save situation, but they inch closer to the first pick in next year’s draft, and unless you’re the Phillies you can’t say that!

The San Francisco Giants offense remained lifeless as the bullpen allows seven runs in the eighth inning to give the Atlanta Braves a 9-0 victory.

Denard Span doubled to lead off the game for the Giants. Eduardo Nunez then followed the quick start with a grounder that Dansby Swanson couldn’t complete. The Giants heart of the order then followed to pop out, strike out and pop out again to end the inning.

It also ended any hope of offensive production for the San Francisco Giants. Brandon Belt hit a ball off the wall and slid into second and was called out. The Giants challenged the play, and although it looked like Belt may have beat the play, the call was upheld.

Honestly it’s hard to say if the Giants offense was just being their normal lifeless self, or if R.A. Dickey just had that great of stuff tonight at his age. He deserves some credit, but definitely left hittable pitches up that you can get away with when facing the San Francisco Giants.

Dickey went seven innings, while scattering three hits and striking out six.

Johnny Cueto pitched well enough to keep the San Francisco Giants in the game, but the offense failed to pick him up. Cueto threw seven innings as well, allowing two runs on five hits. He gave up a homer to first baseman Matt Adams on a change up that was actually placed well on the bottom of the strike zone.

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Sometimes you just have to tip your cap when you make your pitch and get beat. Had the San Francisco Giants have scored runs early with their opportunities on base, it’s a completely different story for Cueto.

San Francisco Giants went until the eighth hitless, when Kelby Tomlinson pinch-hit for Cueto and shot a single the opposite field to right. It all seemed too routine though, as the Giants next three batters were retired in oirder via two strikeouts and an infield pop out.

That lone hit really inspired the Braves, as they came out into the eighth inning and started a seven run two-out rally. Josh Osich was charged with three runs, and Derek Law followed by getting hit around and allowed a three run homer.

The Giants went quietly in the ninth to put an end to a loud score of 9-0.

Three Game Notes

• Johnny Cueto pitched very well today in a losing effort. There have been a lot of talks around Cueto’s struggles and what may be attributing to those. Cueto sat 90-91 with his fastball tonight and although he hasn’t been sitting 93-95 like in the past, I’m not concerned. He’s touched 97 a few times this year, and I think he may be compensating some speed for control due to his blisters. Blisters are not an injury, however they can alter the grip and spin of pitches when released. Cueto has worked through them, and he is just suffering a higher home run rate due to some location challenges.

• Cueto’s Trade Market- For those fans thinking what the San Francisco Giants could get in return for trading Cueto, I would advise lowering your expectations. Cueto can opt out after this season (he most likely will in any situation), and that essentially makes him a rental. There are better and younger options this year to pick from with cheaper contracts and more club control, which really diminishes Cueto’s demand. I don’t see a club giving up a top 20 piece for Cueto, maybe a prospect in the 70-100 rankings, with two B-level prospects who won’t have huge impact on MLB teams. Teams will want to part with their top prospects for cheaper players with years of club control like Jose Quintana or Gerrit Cole if their teams decide to sell.

• How about the offense?- There is none.  Changes should be made.

Next: If You Haven't Come To Grips With 2017 Giants, It's Time

Tomorrows game is same time, same place. NBCSBA and KNBR 680, 4:35 pt.