The San Francisco Giants salvaged their four-game set against the Cincinnati Reds with a 4-2 win in the finale to get a split. Nate Schierholtz and Aubrey Huff drove in the winning runs in the seventh inning after a very shaky start from Jonathan Sanchez. Huff had three hits and an RBI on the day, which is just what the Giants need right now: big time support from ... well, from anybody not presently injured. If it's Huff, that's great. If it's Shierholtz making use of the playing time he wants, that's great as well. Cody Ross also had an RBI on the day.
Sanchez pitched six innings of two-run ball with five walks and five strikeouts, and also with five hits. He gave way to Ramon Ramirez, who pitches a scoreless seventh for the win, and after a short two-strikeout stint from Javier Lopez and a one-out showing from Sergio Romo, Brian Wilson got the save in the ninth inning with a hit and a strikeout. Sanchez was shaky, as has been the case lately. He was walking batters at the worst times and having trouble getting himself out of jams.
Edinson Volquez was given the no-decision, pitching six innings of his own with five hits, two earned runs, three walks and five strikeouts. There was a moment where Edinson was on first base and and took off for second after a double ... but he stopped at second, drawing the ire of his teammates, and the inning stalled there. He clearly could have made it to third, but he didn't go for it and the inning came to an end with no runs and a very upset Joey Votto.
Jose Arredondo was given the loss after giving up the two runs in the seventh inning. The Giants will now head out on a six-game road trip, starting with a three-game set in Arizona against the rival Diamondbacks, who sit a game behind San Francisco in the NL West.
According to Jaymee Sire's (of Comcast SportsNet) Twitter account, Pablo Sandoval has been activated and will make the trip with the team to help against the rival Diamondbacks. Pablo has a .371 career average at Chase Field, so his return should be a big boost for the team. Sandoval should slot into his normal position, but manager Bruce Bochy has noted that he could spell Huff at first base at times. At any rate, with this injury-stricken team, this can only mean good things on the stat sheet. His presence in the lineup should give everyone else around him confidence, as well.
Conor Gillaspie has been sent down to make room.