Even with the news of Carlos Beltran's addition to the defending champs, the San Francisco Giants had to focus on the task at hand, the first place Phillies at Citizen's Bank Park. As advertised, it was a pitcher's duel between Matt Cain and Cole Hamels, although Cain would ultimately get the last laugh as the Giants edged the Phils by a score of 2-1.
Cain (W 9-6) pitch seven strong innings for the Black and Orange this evening, allowing only one run (none earned) on four hits along with one walk and only one strikeout. Cain gave up a lot of contact tonight, especially fly balls, but they all stayed in the yard and was backed by good defense aside from two errors from catcher Eli Whiteside.
But in Whitey's defense, he did go 1-3 with a run scored, one of only six hits the Giants offense could muster against Hamels tonight. Aaron Rowand kept his bat going at Citizen's Bank, backing his homer on Tuesday up with an RBI triple down the right field line in the third, while Nate Schierholtz's double in the seventh plated Jeff Keppinger to get the Giants the deciding run in the game. Brian Wilson had himself another 1-2-3 save in the ninth, his 32nd save of the season.
As for Hamels (L 12-6), he took a very hard luck loss this evening after allowing two runs on six hits with only one walk and six punch outs in seven and 2/3 innings of work. Brad Lidge made an appearance tonight as well, striking out Cody Ross for the last out in the top of the eighth.
With the win the Giants move to 60-44 on the year. Full box score can be found here.
The Giants will send out Ryan Vogelsong (8-1 2.10 ERA) on Thursday as Tim Lincecum is still not back to full strength after the stomach flu, and will face Kyle Kendrick (5-4 3.45 ERA) for the Phillies. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 pm PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.