It’s happening.

We hoped the two teams in our division that have spent $40m and $60m more than us for the 26 guys on the field, would beat each other up during the season, allowing us to creep up the standings. I refer to it as our Super Secret Plan to steal the NL West.

Last night the Padres, who are in third, beat the Dodgers 6-2, to put us a full two games ahead of L.A. It was the perfect outcome for the Giants, who were catching rest after a home series win against the Phillies. We gained ground on the division without playing for the second time this season.

The Giants took two of three from the Phillies at the yard. The games were broadcast on Peacock, which was interesting. Broadcasters were Jon Miller, Mike Krukow, John Kruk and Jimmy Rollins, sharing the space and chatting. Lots of witty banter and interesting historical tidbits throughout the broadcast.

Giants took the first 5 -3, lost the second 13-6, on a weird, windy, crazy day with five lead changes in the first four innings, and pounded the Phillies 11-2 in the finale.

Marc asked how long it has been since the first place team in the NL West wasn’t the Dodgers this late in the season. Good question. I dug around a bit and will try to get back with an answer for that, but if anyone knows feel free to comment below. My guess would be seven years, maybe eight.

The Giants are back in southern california to play a two-fer with the Disney team. They split the first two games of this series at Oracle. We have to take the brace to win the series. Still don’t feel comfortable calling winning a two-game “series” a sweep. But that’s what we have to do, take em both.

DeSclafani and Gausman are scheduled to start. I’m glad it’s not experimental starting pitcher night. It will be astonishing I am sure to see Ohtani. Phenom.

“The Angels are 21-17 in home games in 2020. Los Angeles has hit 97 home runs this season, fifth in the American League. Shohei Ohtani leads the club with 23, averaging one every 10.4 at-bats.

The Giants have gone 22-16 away from home. San Francisco has hit a league-leading 107 home runs this season.” – the bottom line as per the data skrive at espn.

NL West Standings

SF Giants 46 – 26 (.639)

LA Dodgers 44 – 28 (.611) 2 games back

SD Padres 43 – 32 (.573) 4.5 games back

The San Francisco Giants have the best record in all of baseball and lead both leagues in home runs with 107.