Giants edge Braves, salvage series

SF 4  ATL 3

The Giants blew a late lead on Saturday night and seem determined to do it again this afternoon but they eked out a win instead and there was rejoicing across the land. It’s been an ugly stretch. The team opened the month of August with three straight wins against the Diamondbacks and then lost back-to-back games to the A’s. That was an evil portent. They then lost two of three to the Angels, the Rangers, and now the Braves. That’s 7-10 for the month and 16-18 since the Break. There’s no rest for the weary, either: the team travels to Philadelphia next to face the number-one Wild Card contender.

But that’s for tomorrow. Today we can enjoy a homer by rookie Luis Matos to open the scoring and a two-run homer from Mr. VSC Wilmer Flores to give the team the lead. Wilmer is on a roll (.301/.359/.541) these days and absolutely embodies Veteran Savvy Clutchness. A tremendous relief effort across the middle innings from rookie Tristan Beck was also crucial. Speaking of rookies, at one point there were five on the field: P Beck, C Patrick Bailey, LF/CF Matos, RF/LF Heliot Ramos, and 3B Casey Schmitt. Wade Meckler subbed for Ramos later so that’s six rookies total. Whatever else happens this season it has been great to see all the young players get a shot.

The Giants scratched out the winning run in the 9th on a bases-loaded walk to Joc Pederson. Braves reliever Kirby Yates hit two batters before him. Sometimes the baseball gods give you a break when you really need it.

Don’t look now but Arizona is only 1-1/2 games behind. Time to get back to winning ways.

It’s Aaron Nola for the Phillies tomorrow at 3:40 Pacific.

Go Giants!

–M.C.