Giants get two hits but still win

SF 1  ARI 0

24-year old rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (“fought”) has made nine starts this season. He’s sporting a 7.11 ERA, a 7.24 FIP, and an 0-5 record. He dazzled the Giants this afternoon in San Francisco, allowing only two hits in seven innings with one walk and seven whiffs. I should note he pitched against the Giants earlier in the season (May 14th) and threw five strong frames in a 2-1 Diamondbacks win. Like today he allowed only one run.

Oh, did I mention that the Giants scored a run off Pfaadt? They did, in the 4th, on a LaMonte Wade, Jr. home run. That was enough. The bullpen teamed up to throw a shutout and the Giants eked out a win. Tristan Beck threw four innings after opener Scott Alexander. His bulk work set things up nicely for Sean Manaea (2/3), Luke Jackson (1-1/3, 3K), lefty Taylor Rogers (8th), and closer Camilo Doval (9th). Doval gave us a scare when he gave up back-to-back base hits but he wriggled out of the jam for his 33rd save.

This lineup is really having a hard time scoring runs! It’s a good thing the pitching staff has been up to the task. Taking three of four from Arizona to open the month is a terrific accomplishment. They are a tough club with good hitters and limiting them to nine runs across 38 innings was impressive.

It’s an off-day tomorrow and they play a weekend two-game set in Oakland before heading to Anaheim for three with the Angels. They are off again on the 10th, then face the Rangers and the Rays in a six-game homestand. The rest of the month features the Braves, Phillies, Reds, and even a peek at the Padres. That’s a lot of good teams. Yikes, this is some serious pennant race stuff. Let’s hope the hitters find their mojo.

Go Giants!

–M.C.