San Francisco Giants Fall to Dodgers in Second Straight Extra Inning Game

The San Francisco Giants are staying .500 until everyone comes back. That was what they needed to do, and that’s what they’re doing. It’s a good sign, despite today’s loss to the Dodgers.

The San Francisco Giants and the Dodgers engaged in their third pitching battle of the year, making for yet another tight game between the long time rivals.

Ty Blach went six strong innings, only allowing four hits and one run, and struck out three. Clayton Kershaw was finally reminded that it wasn’t October anymore, and pitched a very solid third outing of the year.  Kershaw went seven innings, giving up six hits, one run, and struck out six.

The offense was few and far between, which is par for the course in pitcher’s duels. The Dodgers got on the board in the fourth inning, as Yasiel Puig scored on a Matt Kemp single. The Giants got their run in the eighth inning, after Hunter Pence battled hard against Kershaw to get on base. Kelby Tomlinson then laid down the perfect push bunt, to chase Kershaw from the game.

Buster Posey then pinch hit and got an oppo-single, scoring Pence from second as the throw from Puig was offline.

The Dodgers took a lead into the tenth inning thanks to Kyle Farmer‘s two out double in the tenth. Kenley Jansesn entered for the save and got a gift of a final strike call as he got Brandon Belt looking with Hunter Pence at second base. Belt was rung up on a pitch above the belt.

Three Things:

1. An off day for Buster and Belt, combined with Kershaw on the mound means that today’s performance shouldn’t be an indictment of their offense. It’s early in the year, and guys like Belt and Posey haven’t had much time off yet, plus with a day game following a 14 inning game, it was going to happen. The lineup will suffer when they’re out, so chalk it up to that.
2. Evan Longoria came to play today. The right hander struggled in his first few games for the Giants. But a homer on Wednesday, and two doubles today will give him a nice shot in the arm. He’s making hard contact now, and that’s a very positive thing.
3. The Giants pitching staff has largely been outstanding this early in the season. It’s been a really impressive start to the year, especially for a staff who is down four regulars on the D.L. Pitching wins championships, and if that can return for the Giants this year, look out NL West.

Next: Podcast with Kerry Crowley

The San Francisco Giants move to 4-4 on the 2018 season. Their next series is against the red hot Arizona Diamondbacks. That three game series will start Monday evening. Derek Holland will be on the hill for the Giants, and the D-Backs will send Zack Godley to the hill against them. First pitch is 7:15pm.