It’s been a while for moresplashhits, but the Giants’
postseason run has compelled us to start posting again. Call it therapeutic.
GAME 3 VICTORY: Sunday’s 3-2 win over the Braves was the
first for the Giants in a Game 3 of a Division Series. The Giants entered the
game 0-4 in Game 3s – vs. Marlins 1997 (completing sweep); vs. Mets 2000 (Benny Agbayani); vs. Braves in
2002; and vs. Marlins in 2003 (Jose Cruz Jr. drops fly ball). In fact, in all
of the above series, the Giants also lost Game 2. Oh, and in Game 4? The Giants
are 1-2.
BUM ON THE BUMP: Madison Bumgarner takes the mound Monday in
Game 4. While Sunday’s win was a big win, winning Monday also is important.
While Sunday’s win ensured that the Giants will at the very least return to San
Francisco on Wednesday, winning Game 4 is important to set up the rotation for
the NLCS. The Phillies have clinched and now can set up their NLCS rotation. If
Lincecum has to pitch in Game 5, it means he wouldn’t likely be available to
pitch in the NLCS until Game 3 if the Giants advance.
The Braves will counter with Derek Lowe in Game 4 on short
rest. Bumgarner pitched better on the road than at home this season, going 6-3
with a 1.91 ERA on the road.
WHAT’S UP WITH SERG? In the first three games In the series,
Giants starting pitchers have allowed 1 earned run (Sanchez was charged with
one of the runs that scored on Eric Hinske’s two-run homer Sunday). Sergio Romo
has made two appearances in the series and given up two singles and a home run
in 2/3 of inning. Romo has been a solid setup man for Brian Wilson all season,
but has faltered so far in this series.
It just goes to show how the difference between success and
failure is razor-thin. Romo got ahead of Hinske. Hinske was way out in front on
a couple of pitches, and it looked like Hinske might just ground weakly into
into inning-ending double play. Instead, Hinske kept fouling off pitches, which
enabled him to get a mistake from Romo and hit the home run.
Romo did get out of the rest inning with no trouble, so
there shouldn’t be any reason not to go to him again if the situation calls for
it.
