Both SF Giants aces fail to deliver the goods in crucial games against Dodgers

The SF Giants took on the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game series and in anticipation of the series they moved up both of their aces, Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. Unfortunately, neither pitcher delivered the goods and it cost the team.

With the team having an off-day on Thursday, the Giants were able to alter their rotation to have Webb and Ray pitch on Saturday and Sunday with normal rest. It made complete sense with how pivotal these games are for the team's playoff hopes, but it did not work out as planned.

SF Giants aces fail to deliver the goods against the Dodgers

On Saturday night, following the team's thrilling extra innings victory against the Dodgers the night before, Logan Webb got knocked around as he gave up six earned runs in four innings of work and he took the loss.

It was a very uncharacteristic performance for Webb especially since he had a very solid outing his last time on the mound. The Giants even got him some rare run support by scoring four runs in the first inning but Webb just could not overcome the stout LA lineup. He took full responsibility for his poor showing afterwards and said that he felt he let the team down.

Of course, Webb has pitched great all year for the team and has not gotten run support many times so it is hard to get too mad at him. Still, it was one of the biggest games of the year and the Giants needed their ace to pitch better than he did.

In Sunday's game, the Giants had Robbie Ray on the mound and he struggled mightily as well. He gave up five earned runs in four innings of work and did not have good command as he walked four batters. The game is not over yet, but Ray has put the Giants' offense in a tough spot.

It is unfortunate that neither pitcher was able to pitch to their full potential in these games with major playoff ramifications on the line. Both Webb and Ray were All-Stars this season and have been great all year so the Giants really needed them to show up and they just didn't, albeit against one of the most stacked lineups in the game.

Thankfully, Justin Verlander delivered a signature performance in Friday's game so the Giants will at least take one game in this series no matter what. Still, it would have been nice if either Webb or Ray had delivered a gem to ensure the Giants could take the series against LA and bolster their playoff chances in the process.

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