San Francisco Giants Lose to Astros: Gap for Contending Evident

The San Francisco Giants just got obliterated in a two game series against the Houston Astros. The results show just how far the gap right now, between the Giants, and the true contenders.

I honestly expected the San Francisco Giants to lose both games in Houston. Heck, I would’ve been just fine with a split. But the two losses in the win column don’t shock me, or worry me. What was evident in that two game matchup, was just how far superior the Astros were.

The Giants were outscored 15-3 in two games by the defending world champs. I would’ve been fine with a good ‘ole 7-3 over two games, at least not show off the hitting like that. But it’s quite clear where the gap is with the Giants.

Today, they got Verlander 6 innings deep and then followed it up with lights out relievers in innings 7-9. The Giants haven’t had a starter go 6 innings deep since Derek Holland‘s last outing. When we’re relying on Derek Holland to be the innings eater, that’s not good.

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Today, Samardzija probably had some hope of a good follow up performance, as he went into the seventh inning in his last start and showed some signs of life. But he struggles in small ballparks, and that happened again today.

Then you look at what’s up at the plate. The Astros are a free swinging team, yet they were patient enough to draw five walks. The Giants drew one and struck out 13 times. Also, the ‘Stros only struck out twice.

The Giants’ plate approach is all over the place lately. They either strike out a ton, or hit everything in sight.

Next: Matt Cain inducted into Bay Area HOF

Overall nothing you can do about the pitching, even if you have bad pitching, you won’t be able to get anywhere if you can’t score runs. But I also get the fact that you’re facing Justin Verlander. Verlander is very good. Not many are scoring a lot of runs against them. But, 13 strikeouts is rough, for any team, no matter who is pitching.