For the second time in a week the San Francisco Giants faced the Texas Rangers in a World Series rematch, and for the second time the Giants came out victorious. The Giants beat the Rangers 11-8 at the Surprise Sports Complex in Surprise, Arizona after a flurry of late inning runs, yet the Giants came out on top.
The Giants got off to a great start as Pablo Sandoval launched and RBI triple in the first inning, followed by an RBI single by Cody Ross. Brandon Belt hit and RBI double in the forth, followed by a Chris Stewart RBI single. Then the Giants loaded the bases with three straight singles for Mike Fontenot who hit a high fly ball that Julio Borbon lost in the sun clearing the bases. Nate Schierholtz hit his first homer of the Cactus League, a 2 run shout in the 6th inning.
Ryan Vogelsong had another nice outing for the G-Men going 4 full innings allowing 4 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and 2 strikeouts. The two runs bumped his ERA from around the 0.85 mark to 2.13, but he is making a strong case to make the roster this Spring Training.
The Giants had a couple of guys in different spots than they are usually accustomed too, mainly Aaron Rowand and Mark DeRosa. Aaron Rowand hasn’t started a game in left field since the 2002 regular season, but got the start there today as skipper Bruce Bochy continues to tinker with his outfield to get the most production out of it on both sides of the ball. DeRosa got the start at shortstop today, honing in his skills at every position possible in hopes to be the super utility man for the Giants this season.
PANDA WATCH: Pablo went 2-3 today with an RBI triple, as well as a stolen base in the fourth inning. He is showing off his increase of speedy nicely so far this preseason.
The Giants preseason continues as they take on the Milwaukee Brewers tomorrow at Scottsdale Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PT (2:05 MT) and will be Matt Cain’s first start since he was shut down due to an inflamed right elbow.