Ka-pow!

SF 19  CIN 4

The Giants overwhelmed the Reds today to sweep the four-game set and head home with a five-game win streak. That’s a 6-2 trip and it bumps their road record to 14-12. Johnny Cueto, in his first start off the IL, lasted only three innings, yielding eight hits and five runs. In his next start he lasted 4-1/3 IP, again allowing eight hits but only two runs. Today he managed five innings, allowing five hits and only one run. I like that sort of improvement. Let’s hope he’s back to full strength in his next go-round.

The lineup produced their biggest run total so far, it’s also the most runs by any team this season. They looked great in the first inning, wearing down Reds starter Tyler Mahle with patient, disciplined at-bats, grinding out a run with two outs and forcing him to throw 28 pitches. When the top of the lineup got a second look in the 3rd inning they went on a rampage and pounded out nine runs. The highlights were a grand slam from Steven Duggar and two-run homer from Darin Ruf (he had a four-hit day). Brandon Crawford had six RBI in a three-hit day (including his 11th homer), and Evan Longoria added three hits including a homer. It got so bad the Reds used two position players to pitch the final two innings.

Sam Selman looked good in the 6th. Camilo Doval was wild in the 7th and gave up a run but also had three strikeouts. Jose Alvarez, just off the IL, gave up a two-run homer in the 8th but finished the frame. Matt Wisler gave up a two-out hit in the 9th but also struck out three.

The YouTube telecast was amateurish, unfortunately. They had FOUR GUYS talking about the game! Really? You need four guys? Jeremy Affeldt was one of them, and he’s a motor mouth and doesn’t know when to shut up. Even if he has something interesting to say his incessant chatter quickly becomes annoying and ultimately intolerable. Not to mention those nauseating interviews during the live action and the split screen that shows the interviewee more than the action. But that’s why they invented the mute button!

The Giants crushed it this week and they set up a terrific showdown with the Dodgers who have been on their own hot streak. It’s a three-game set starting tomorrow night at 7:10 PDT with Alex Wood facing Trevor Bauer. Saturday’s game is a Fox Game of the Week (4:15 Pacific). Logan Webb went to the IL so no starter has been named. I suspect Sunday it will be Anthony DeSclafani.

Go Giants!

–M.C.