Matt Cain was huge tonight going 7.2 scoreless innings, leaving the game with a 2-0 lead. He has pitched 21.1 post-season innings so far without giving up an earned run. The 2 runs would be all the Giants needed, but they were far from done after Cain left the game. Javier Lopez continues to be lights out for the Giants as he came in for the last out of the 8th inning to sit Josh Hamilton back down.
Darren Day-O O’Day came in to pitch for the Rangers in the bottom of the 8th inning, and quickly got 2 outs before Buster Posey hit an innocent little single. Pitching coach Mike Maddux and manager Ron Washington had no idea how much walking (no pun intended, keep reading) was in store for them in the remainder of that inning. In comes Derek Holland who threw 11 straight balls, and 12/13 balls, walking in a run. Exit Holland, enter Mark Lowe who walked in another run on 6 pitches, (16/19 balls if you’re keeping score.) Edgar Renteria singled in 2 runs after 3 balls, 2 strikes and 2 fouls. Exit Lowe, enter Michael Kirkman who threw 2 balls before finding the plate. The Giants feasted on fastballs as that was the only pitch the Rangers’ staff could get over the plate. Kirkman gave up a triple and a double before registering the final out. Totals for just the bottom of the 8th inning- Giants 7 runs, Rangers 6 mound visits, Rangers 55 pitches, Giants 11 batters.
Who needs to run when you keep getting free passes? The Rangers walked 4 Giants in a row in that inning from hell (for the Rangers, anyhow.)
More Random Thoughts
Not too long ago, I had noticed that Eric Hinske seems to be a good luck charm for whatever team he’s playing for, as he made it to his 4th post-season this year with as many different clubs (Red Sox, Rays, Yankees, Braves.) Edgar Renteria has been having similar luck with the Marlins, Cardinals, White Sox, and now the Giants. His home run in the 5th put the Giants on top 1-0, and they never looked back.
The Giants’ post-season pitching staff of Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez, and Bumgarner are all products of the Giants farm. The last team to do that? The ’86 Red Sox- Clemens, Hurst, Boyd, and Nipper. Is anyone else tired of the corny Taco Bell commercial with Joe Girardi and Mo? Tim Wakefield went from the Pirates to the Red Sox and wears #49. Javier Lopez went from the Red Sox to the Pirates to the Giants and wears #49. #56 O’Day (TEX) pitched to #56 Torres (SFG.) O’Day won that match up, about the only thing the Rangers did win all night.
Giants 9 Rangers 0 BOX SCORE
Giants lead the Series, 2-0
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