The San Francisco Giants looked like they would cruise to an easy victory against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night, sporting a comfortable lead heading into the ninth inning at Turner Field. And despite a four run rally in the bottom of the ninth, the Giants held on for their first win of the series by the score of 7-5.
Matt Cain (W 10-9) was lights out in his eight innings of work tonight, allowing only one unearned run, a bases loaded walk to Chipper Jones in the first, but was spotless the rest of the way. Cain worked his way out of jam after jam, giving up five Braves hits along with only one walk while fanning nine.
Pablo Sandoval's RBI double in the first got the G-Men off on the right foot, then they opened it up with four runs in the 4th inning with two RBI singles and two sacrifice flies, one coming from Matt Cain himself. Pablo would strike again in the ninth with a sacrifice fly, along with another from Aubrey Huff to give the Giants the two crucial runs they needed.
Dan Runzler struggled in his first outing since being recalled, giving up three runs on two hits, along with a walk. Jeremy Affeldt would relieve him, and getting the last out but still giving up an earned run himself. Thankfully the Giants had some room to work with, moving the team to 32-0 on the year when holding a lead of three runs or more, the only team in MLB with such a record.
Jair Jurrjens (L 12-5) struggled in his first start since coming off the DL, allowing five runs on eight hits in six innings of work. He would strikeout only one Giant, along with two walks.
And in some more injury news (seriously), Eli Whiteside left the game early with some dizziness after face planting on his way to second base during an attempted steal. He is fine and should be ready to go on Thursday.
With the win the Giants move to 67-57 on the year, now 2.5 games behind the D'backs in the NL West. Full box score can be found here.
The Black and Orange will look for a series tie Thursday as Tim Lincecum (11-9 2.58 ERA) takes the mound to face Mike Minor (2-2 4.84 ERA) for the Braves. First pitch is set for 4:00 pm PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.