by
Greek Giant
Clear ’em all, Buster. pic.twitter.com/mxwKOYSxVe
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 20, 2021
Buster Posey cleared the bases with a three-run double with two outs in top of the ninth to break open a 1-0 game. Mike Tauchman hit an RBI single in the fifth but the story of the game is Kevin Gausman who pitched six shutout innings on one hit and two walks while striking out eight reds. The 4-0 win would keep the Giants in first place for another day, half a game ahead of the Padres, who decided to get hot after starting the season in a somewhat sluggish fashion.
In the game the Giants flashed the leather with Evan Longoria making a fine play deep in foul territory to throw out a runner and starting a 5-3 double play that you don’t see much of anymore thanks to the shift. Mike Tauchman also made a fine leaping catch in left. Mauricio Dubon also made a handy dandy barehand grab and throw off a grounder that caromed from Gausman’s poor attempt at goal tending. Dubon was filling in at short for BCraw. It seems plainly obvious that Dubie’s talents belong in the infield.
With last night’s game the Giants are second in the Majors in Defensive Runs Saved, whatever that means. The Giants lead the Majors in fielding percentage with .992 and have committed a Major League Low 13 errors. The team behind the Giants, the Cubs, has 20 errors. It’s beautiful! At this rate the Giants may be in play for a few gold gloves or a team gold glove. I like that idea. I think MLB should create a new award for the team that has the best fielding percentage!
Gausman continues his strong run in 2021 lowering his ERA to 1.66 and getting his fourth win. His split-fingered fastball (aka “Splitter”) was simply amazing yesterday. He also threw a screwy offspeed pitch down and in to righties that created mischief for the Reds batters. Gausman has gone at least six innings in all his starts this year. That is very impressive folks.
Logan Webb Out
Logan Webb was placed on the ten-day IL with a right shoulder strain. I reported on this very site that this was not expected to be an issue for the young right-hander. The Giants lied to me. It appears Webb will miss two starts right in the midst of his hot streak.
LHP Jose Alvarez was reinstated from the IL to take Webb’s roster spot.
The Box
Today’s Game
In today’s finale of the series the Giants will go for the rare four-game sweep with former Red Johnny Cueto on the mound facing Tyler Mahle of the Reds. First pitch is at 12:45 PM, Tom Seaver time.