In their first night game of the Cactus League the San Francisco Giants took out a split squad Arizona Diamondback team 4-2 at Scottsdale Stadium.
Jonathan Sanchez went three full innings for the Giants giving up four hits and two runs (one earned) striking out three Diamondbacks and walking one. Jeremy Affeldt had his first appearance of spring training pitching a perfect 4th inning for the G-Men.
Freddy Sanchez made some nice contact in the 1st inning for a single while bunting himself on in the 2nd. San Jose Mercury News beat writer Andrew Baggerly had a funny tweet about Sanchez’s at-bat in the 4th inning:
Freddy Sanchez had one of best hit-and-run protection swings ever. Literally jumped to foul off high fastball. Pinata swing. Candy came out.
Just another way Freddy gets it done. Nice showing by Sanchez.
Non-roster invitee Chris Stewart went 3-2 from the plate including a huge 2 RBI triple in the 2nd inning, and added a double in the 6th. Aaron Rowand had a sacrifice fly in the 2nd, Charlie Culberson had an RBI double in the 6th. Eli Whiteside had a couple of AB’s but still can’t return to his catching duties until his throwing elbow is back to 100%.Cody Ross had a single and two walks while Brandon Belt had an 8th inning single, making it 4-9 thus far for him in Cactus League action. He also stole a base.
PANDA WATCH: Pablo Sandoval was the DH today, going 1-2 with a single for the day. Pablo is staying hot and I like it.
The Giants will face the Colorado Rockies tomorrow, first pitch is scheduled for 12:05 PT (1:05 MT). The Giants will have Ryan Vogelsong getting the start, Matt Cain will get the day off due to elbow inflammation. Jorge de la Rosa will get the start for the Rockies.