San Francisco Giants & the Week That Was: Week Two a Bit Worse
Pitcher of the Week: Jeff Samardzija
Offseason acquisition Johnny Cueto was the pitcher of the week in the opening week, and his fellow new edition, Jeff Samardzija, takes the honor for the season’s second week. Samardzija pitched the opener in Coors Field on Tuesday, and pitched a beauty despite the park’s notorious reputation as a pitcher’s worst enemy.
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In eight innings, the highest total for a Giants’ starter so far this year, Samardzija gave up six hits and a pair of runs, one of which came on a double-play. Using a more exaggerated hip turn in his delivery, Samardzija’s pitches were noticeably sharper than in his season debut in Milwaukee’s Miller Park, and he shut down a high-powered Rockies’ offense. He even added a double at the plate as the Giants won the game 7-2, their lone win in Denver.
Samardzija took the ball again in the series finale against the Dodgers on Sunday, and was sharp again. Over six innings, he allowed six hits and three runs, and didn’t make a lot of mistakes. However, one mistake he paid for dearly. A fastball that caught too much of the plate to eighth hitter Joc Pederson was crushed for a two-run home run, which proved to be the game-winner. Ultimately, the offense couldn’t back up Samardzija and the Giants fell 3-1, but there was a lot to be happy about from the outing.
Cueto should also be recognized for his stellar outing against the Dodgers on Saturday, during which he gave up just a run in 7.1 innings while striking out seven in the Giants win.
Next: Hitter of the Week