Wood the Cub Stopper

Jul 29, 2022 | 2022 Season, Latest Post

by
Greek Giant

The post-All Star Break has not been kind to the Giants, as we all know. Going into last night’s game against the Cubs in San Francisco the Giants had lost seven in a row following the Mid-Summer Classic. Last night the boys finally got a win and a few breaks along the way. Make no mistake, this was Alex Wood’s game from the beginning. The lefty had a no-hitter through six innings before allowing a lead-off single to Ian Happ in the top of the seventh inning as he lead off. Then Patrick Wisdom followed with a two-run homer and Manager Gabe Kapler brought in Dominic Leone to settle things down and preserve the 4-2 lead.

Wood was the stopper the Giants needed to restore order to their basbeall universe. With the win the lefty is now 7-8 with a 4.11.

Pederson’s Play

The homer by Wisdom cleared Joc Pederson’s glove by no more than three inches, perhaps fewer. Pederson made a valiant attempt to catch the hit, running at least 60 feet and diving into the wall with his glove extended. It would have been a phenomenal catch. In fact the collision was so rough that Pederson was removed from the game after the play.

The Giant Runs

The Giants scored first when with runners on first and third in the bottom of the third inning and two outs and Wilmer Flores at the plate a wild pitch appeared to allow Yaz to score. However the play was reviewed and it turns out the pitch hit Wilmer, loading the bases for Yermin Mercedes who then hit a bloop two-run single to center to drive in two runs.

Thairo Estrada then hit an infield single that drove in a run and the Giants had a 3-0 lead.

The Cubs made two errors in the game and had a bad game overall defensively while the Giants made their plays behind Wood who was mixing fastballs up and curveballs away to great effect. He was touching 94 mph with the heater and was able to get the Cub righties to chase high and miss.

With two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning and a runner at third Austin Slater hit a rocket double to right center that drove in a run. Just like that it was 4-0 Giants with Alex Wood cruising. Slater’s double came off a fastball about thigh-high towards the outside corner and it was hit perfect. When Slater is right he looks fantastic at the plate. That double should be in every hitter’s textbook.

Camilo Doval earned the save with a scoreless ninth and looked good doing it, striking out three batters.

After the strikeout to end the game the Giants celebrated with a little more gusto than usual. It was a much-needed win.

Home-cooking is just what the doctor ordered for the Giants.

Trainer’s Room

Luis Gonazlez has a bad back and was held out of the line up. Evan Longoria took ground balls at third base as his hamstring is healing. Good news.

Tonight’s Game

The Giants play against the Cubs in game 2 of the series on Orange Friday. It will be Stroman vs Cobb at 7:15 PM at Willie Mays Field.