The Giants lost four in a row, including two to the Dodgers, bounced back to take three of four from the Dbacks, then lost two of three to the Cards at home. But throughout, they have managed to stay mathematically ahead of the Dodgers and Padres. Today is an off day before the last series before the All-Star break.

Series Recap

Giants 3, Cardinals 5 The Giants failed to support Kevin Gausman but this game was dominated by the Cards young pitcher Kwang Hun Kim, who allowed only three hits. Gausman didn’t allow a hit until Nolan Arenado’s one-out single in the seventh that started a two-run rally in what had been a scoreless game. Matt Carpenter hit a two-run triple in the seventh for the first runs of the game. Arenado added an RBI single in the eighth.

Giants 5, Cardinals 6 Wainwright outdueled Cueto, who was caught by Tromp for the first time this year – a combination I have been wanting to see. It was Wainwright’s fourth straight winning decision as the vet tunes up for the second half. Arenado and Edmundo Sosa homered, Goldschmidt hit a two-run single in the fourth.

Giants 5, Cardinals 2 Alex Wood had seven strong innings, overcoming recent issues second time through the order and allowing only three hits. Yastrzemski and Solano doubled in runs and Darren Ruf homered the insurance in the ninth. AP noted: “Wood (8-3) set down 19 of 22 after allowing Nolan Arenado’s two-out RBI double in the first. The Giants lefty had six strikeouts and two walks and won for the first time in four career starts against the Cardinals.”

The Giants still have the best record in baseball and could do so at the All-Star break … wow!

In the second half we are getting Longo and Belt back and hopefully finally getting to see Tommy La Stella. Tyler Beede and Logan Webb will be returning to the pitching rotation.

There is talk of making moves: Susan Slusser suggested that the Giants could make a play for Max Scherzer with the intention of moving Wood and Cueto to relief positions in the postseason roster. Gausman, DeSclafani and Scherzer would be a formidable way to enter the playoffs.

IT’S AN OFF DAY! DO LAUNDRY!

CHILL OUT! GO FOR A WALK!

THINK NON-BASEBALL THOUGHTS!

NL West Standings

SFG 54 – 32

LAD 53 – 34

SDP 51 – 38

The Giants have scheduled Logan Webb for a return on Friday and will start DeSclafani and Gausman on Saturday and Sunday to end the first half.

A series win keeps us in first place.

Rest up, everybody.