San Francisco Giants & The Week That Was: Back to Winning Ways
Pitcher of the Week: Matt Cain
After a long search, Matt Cain found his time machine and pitched like his old self this past week. In a pair of starts, Cain looked completely different from his earlier starts. He began planting his fastballs in good locations, his curveball had much better bite, and Cain as a whole just looked like a more confident pitcher. While it seemed like something was missing in the first month, Cain finally put together full starts this past week.
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Against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, Cain pitched eight innings, his longest start in over two years, and allowed two runs on seven hits, striking out seven while walking none. He was stuck with another tough-luck loss as his offense was shut out by J.A. Happ.
He was on the mound again on Sunday, and was outstanding again. In seven innings in Arizona, Cain allowed seven hits again, leading to one run, and struck out five while walking two. He again couldn’t find the win column, as he left the game in a 1-1 tie.
Overall in 15 innings, Cain allowed three runs, dropping his season ERA from 7.84 to 5.87. His WHIP also plummeted from 1.710 to 1.478. The Giants finally got some strong innings from their number-five, and if he can continue that as the season wears on, it will take a lot of pressure off the front three to be perfect.
An honorable mention can be given to the entire Giants’ starting rotation. In seven games during the past week, the starters pitched 47.2 innings and gave up 11 runs and 55 baserunners, good for a 2.08 ERA and 1.154 WHIP, both impressive totals.
Next: Hitter of the Week