There haven’t been many wins, but last night’s was one of the best of the season, easily, considering who it was against. Drew Pomeranz did what every professional is expected to do at some point — prove the doubters wrong.
Jeff Samardzija allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out one and allowing zero runs in five innings against the Dodgers on April 29th. That lineup was slightly different from the one they’re running out today —
LF — Joc Pederson
1B — Max Muncy
3B — Justin Turner
RF — Cody Bellinger
SS — Corey Seager
CF — Alex Verdugo
2B — Enrique Hernandez
C — Russell Martin
SP — Rich Hill
— but still the same frustratingly tough lineup that works the count to drain a starting pitcher. Alex Verdugo is hitting .246/.319/.344 since May 15, which isn’t great (though, in Giants’ terms, it’s All-Starworthy). He might not be the best hitter in the lineup, but he’ll be a key out after working through the top five hitters.
It was a weird night, but a hard fought night, and we’ll see if the Giants look better or uglier in the daylight as they try to win their second consecutive series against LA. In order to do that, though, they’ll need to best Rich Hill, something they’ve rarely been able to do.
He’s 7-2 in 14 career starts against the Giants with a 2.26 ERA and 78 strikeouts to 19 walks. This will be a tough matchup for the Giants, but they’re going to try to get to him with... a bunch of lefties at the top of the lineup?
RF — Mike Yastrzemski
1B — Brandon Belt
3B — Evan Longoria
LF — Tyler Ausstin
CF — Kevin Pillar
SS — Brandon Crawford
C — Aramis Garcia
2B — Donovan Solano
SP — Jeff Samardzija
Well, okay. If you insist, Bruce Bochy.