Austin Slater hit his first leadoff homer, new dad Alex Dickerson pinch-hit the go-ahead home run and Brandon Belt pinch-doubled in two more. The bats coupled with another fine start by Drew Smyly and the Giants beat the Rockies to level the series and return to .500.

The Rockies will send righty Ryan Castellani (1-3, 5.59) to face the Giants at Oracle tonight. He will be facing lefty Caleb Baragar, who has a 5 – 1 record by vulturing wins while pitching relief. It will be his first start. I wonder if Kapler is using an “opener” – a strategy of sending out a guy just for the first couple of innings and using someone else or several others in relief.

The guys backing up Baragar and the batting lineup:

Austin Slater (DH)

Alex Dickerson (LF)

Donovan Solano (2B)

Brandon Belt (1B)

Brandon Crawford (SS)

Evan Longoria (3B)

Mairicio Dubon (CF)

Joey Bart (C)

Steven Duggar (RF)

Let’s Go Giants!!!

Pound the Rocks!

Crush the Rocks!

Pulverize the Rocks!