Legends

SF 9  TEX 4

Mike Tauchman’s biggest moment in orange-and-black, the game-saving catch in LA against the Dodgers, upstaged a Giants legend. Last night in Texas his grand slam, the second-biggest moment in his orange-and-black career, was upstaged by another Giants legend. The first time, Buster Posey’s three-run homer got lost in the shuffle of a highlight-reel victory. The second time, Brandon Crawford’s historic day took center stage in a blowout win.

It was 4-2 Rangers in the 8th and a frustrated Giants lineup kept missing out on their many scoring chances. Tauchman, batting ninth in an AL park, came up with the bases loaded and two outs and calmly stroked a liner into the right-field corner for a game-changing blow. It was a big hit for the team and also for the struggling lefty who has had a hard time getting results with the bat.

That’s not the case with Brandon Crawford who is hitting as well as he ever has. He hit a solo homer in the 6th to give the Giants a short-lived 2-1 lead. He hit a three-run shot in the 9th to make it a laugher. That’s the fifth time he’s hit two homers in a game. But the real accomplishment was becoming the Giants all-time leader in games played at shortstop. His 1326th game is the most in the 138-year history of the franchise. That’s one hell of an accomplishment and we got to watch all of it. In addition to the two homers he–of course–made a couple of brilliant Crawfordian plays to help shut down the Rangers.

Early game today (11:05). Zack Littell will get the opening nod with Sammy Long making his debut in long (we hope!) relief.

Go Giants!

–M.C.