Tim Lincecum didn't fall all-that-short of a no-no, and the majority of the San Francisco Giants lineup was on fire throughout game one of a much-anticipated series against the Colorado Rockies. It was an 8-1 rout in which Pat Burrell, Nate Schierholtz and Freddy Sanchez hit homeruns, though it was Schierholtz who blasted the longest of the night. The Giants were hoping to set the tone in game one, and they have a lot of positive things they'd like to be able to do again in game two.
They'll have their hands full though, and may have to think twice if they think they'll be able to get the same homeruns tonight, when the Rockies send Ubaldo Jimenez to the mound. Jimenez had one start (7.50 ERA) in which he suffered a cut cuticle on his right thumb, and was placed on the disabled list. This is the first game back for the Colorado pitching ace, so it really could go either way. Maybe he'll be shaken up and the Giants came come out and get hits and runs off of him early, or maybe he'll come in and deal like most expected him to do in his first start.
Going down the order, the Giants will send Jonathan Sanchez to the mound tonight. He's 1-1, including a win in his last outing, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He gave up seven hits and three runs while walking two and striking out a solid nine batters. He's sporting a 3.24 ERA in three starts so far this year, and is battling inconsistency issues. Sanchez is the guy who has been on the cusp of breaking into the elite for awhile now, he just needs to get his arm under control and stop getting himself into jams. Although he works himself out of them more often than not, it's not something he should enjoy making a habit out of.
The Giants are up one on the series and are gaining ground on the team with the best record in baseball, and thus leaders in the NL West. The Rockies' strength of schedule has been called into question, so we will continue to learn more about where both teams really are as they continue to play. The game starts at 5:40 p.m. pacific, and will be on CSN Bay Area.