San Francisco Giants: Superlative Awards for the 2016 Season

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Oct 1, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Ty Blach (50) congratulated by manager Bruce Bochy (15) after the end of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

The “Welcome To The Show” Award: Ty Blach

Having a rookie pitch in game number 161 with a postseason berth on the line was probably not the expected plan for the Giants in April. But on the first day of October, that scenario came to life.

The Giants turned to their rookie left-hander, Ty Blach, to make his second career start. With the Dodgers on the other side, the Giants needed to win to keep their hold on a wildcard spot. To make the situation a little bit bigger, it was Kershaw taking the mound for Los Angeles.

All Blach did was hurl eight shutout innings in the biggest start of his career. He kept the Dodgers’ lineup off-balance all day, allowing just three singles and a walk while striking out six. He had everything working, and he was as cool as a cucumber on the mound. The only real emotion he showed came after getting the final out in the eighth inning, when he subtly pumped his fist before running to the dugout.

He even brought his bat with him, picking up the first two hits of his career against Kershaw. It was just one of those days for him. The 3-0 final score led to Blach’s first win, and from the looks of it, the first of many.

Next: Brandon Belt Has Heard Enough About Bunting

Blach firmly planted himself on the Giants’ radar for a rotation spot next season. If he can carry over this combination of pitches, smarts, and calmness, he has a great shot.

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