The San Francisco Giants came to Denver looking to expand their NL West lead over the Colorado Rockies, but unfortunately the Rox did everything they could to shrink it. Tim Lincecum got lit up by Colorado, the Giants offense fell just short of bailing Tim out, and the Giants lost their first game of this series by a score of 7-4.
Tim Lincecum (L 3-4) had the second longest scoreless streak in the majors coming into tonight, but was broken up in a big way by the Rockies this evening at Coors Field. The Freak lasted for 5 2/3 innings, giving up 7 earned runs on 9 hits, with 6 walks and only 3 strikeouts. Five of the Rockies 7 runs came in the 6th inning via a Seth Smith homer, a Carlos Gonzales 3 run homer, and a Dexter Fowler RBI single. It was only the second time in Lincecum’s career he’d given up 7 runs with the last time in June of 2007, so needless to say it just wasn’t Timmy’s night.
San Francisco hit into four double plays tonight, two of them off the bat of Aubrey Huff, but the Giants were managing to get some good wood on the ball. Andres Torres and Nate Schierholtz both went yard in the top of the sixth, Freddy Sanchez had a three hit, Buster Posey was 2-4, while Miguel Tejada was 2-4 with a double.
Clayton Mortenson (W 1-0) got out of his second start of the year with a win going 6 innings allowing 7 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. Huston Street got his 13th save of the year.
With the loss the Giants move to 22-18 for the year, and only half a game ahead of the Rockies in the NL West. The G-Men are still 7-2 against the Rox in 2011. Full box score can be found here.
The Giants will have their second and final game of the series tomorrow afternoon as Jonathan Sanchez (3-2 3.68 ERA) will be on the mound to take on the Rockies’ Ubaldo Jimenez (0-3 6.67 ERA). There is a chance of some wet weather in Denver tomorrow, something to keep an eye on. First pitch is set for 12:10 PT tomorrow with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.
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