Landon Roupp completed six innings tonight and gave up just one run on a fielder’s choice in the top of the third.
He scattered seven hits across the six innings, threw four Ks and gave up no bases on balls. It was a very mature quality start.
Hayden Birdsong came in and held the 7th and 8th comfortably. The combo pack as a fifth starter was excellent tonight and BoMel left Birdsong out there.
Unfortunately, Birdsong opened the top of the ninth by yielding a long double to Gavin Lux, who was advanced to third on a check swing dribbler.
With one down and a runner 90 feet from home Birdsong looked shaken, location wasn’t crisp. Jeimer Candelario took him to a full count before striking out on a sweet slider.
Birdsong was right back on form, with a massive curve ball and two 96 mph heaters to strikeout Spencer Steer and end the threat – a good recovery
Despite the excellent performances by Roupp and Birdsong holding Cincinnati to a run, the Reds’ Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft, did exactly one better – they held the G-men scoreless on just four hits through eight.
Tito sent closer Emilio Pagan out for the bottom of the ninth and he got the Save in ten pitches as the Giants went quietly, three-up, three down.
The Reds and Giants have fought two straight excellent pitchers’ duels, but the Giants have come up just a bit short in both.
Hopefully we grab some dignity in the day game tomorrow – getting swept at home is unbecoming. It’s JV TIME.
Justin Verlander’s first win tomorrow!
Let’s Go Giants!
Giants Baseball Corner 