San Francisco Giants Brandon Crawford Shines in Win Over Padres

San Francisco Giants Shortstop Brandon Crawford carried the team to victory today. Of the 5 runs scored by the Giants, Crawford played a role in 4 of them. That’s a pretty good ratio.

For much of this season, Crawford has been the key to the Giants success. And, today was no different. However, it is necessary to point out that Crawford had been struggling prior to today’s game:

Did you know he was struggling? I did not know he was struggling. And, I generally pay attention to the Giants. However, the stats suggest he has been struggling.

I guess it is easy for overlook Crawford’s struggles at the plate since he is so good defensively. Every day, he makes plays that makes you question just how he could actually make that play.

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I digress. Crawford carried the San Francisco Giants with his bat today. In the 4th inning, Crawford came to the plate with Andrew McCutchen on base. Crawford launched a triple off of the right field wall to score McCutchen, and give the Giants the lead.

The ball would have been a home run in any ballpark that does not have a 25-foot wall in right field. However, that is not the case in San Francisco. Either way, it an encouraging sign for a player who had been struggling with the bat. It had the right look and sound. It also looked something Crawford could build on.

Ultimately, it did not take long for Crawford to continue his breakout. Later in the game, Crawford came up with two runners on base. He smashed a double to left-center to give the Giants insurance runs. These runs were very much-needed. The Giants hit a speed bump when closing out the game, and made the game closer than it needed to be.

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So, Crawford finished the game with 2 extra-base hits and 3 RBI. It was the type of game we have been accustomed to seeing over the past 7 weeks. Also, it was the type of game that should help him break out of his slump.

When Crawford is driving the ball to the opposite field, his mechanics are in sync. The double, as well as the triple, were positive signs for him. The San Francisco Giants have a chance to take the series against the struggling, left-handed Padres pitcher Eric Lauer. Crawford just needs to do more of what he did today. Is that too much to ask for? Probably. But, one can at least make the request.