San Francisco Giants 3 Up, 3 Down: Second Straight Sweep
3 DOWN
1 – Beanballs
The Pirates have been known for pitching to establish a presence on the inside part of the plate, and they did so against the Giants. Unfortunately, the command just wasn’t there for Pittsburgh hurlers. Hunter Pence was hit on the forearm on Friday night, and received an RBI for his efforts. Pence was in constant motion on Friday, more than normal, as he tried to avoid more than one pitch that came in high and tight.
On Saturday, rookie Ryder Jones was hit in the hand and forced to leave the game. It doesn’t look like he will need a stint on the disabled list, but his minor league roommate wasn’t so lucky. In Triple-A, Christian Arroyo was hit in the hand by a pitch in his first game back after missing time because he was hit in the hand by a pitch. This time, Arroyo will miss around two months because of a fracture.
2 – Crawford Stays Cold
Brandon Crawford didn’t have as good a time in Pittsburgh as the rest of his mates. His glove is still as steady as ever, but his bat just hasn’t been up to par. Against the Pirates, Crawford picked up just one hit in 14 at-bats during the three games to drop his season average to just .229. Since June started, Crawford is hitting just .185 with a .536 OPS.
Crawford saved his one hit for a big spot, however. In the seventh inning on Sunday, he scorched a line drive single to left field to score a run, tying the game at 2-2 and allowing the team to later take the lead and complete the comeback.
He’s still the best defensive shortstop in the game, and is well on his way to his third-straight Gold Glove. But the team needs more out of Crawford’s bat. He’s too important to the team, on both sides of the ball.
3 – Another Day Off?!?
After getting a day off on Thursday, the Giants will have another rest day on Monday as they head to Detroit for their second series of the year in an American League park. This all comes the week before the All-Star break as well. Off days are never a bad thing, but the sequencing of these days off is a bit weird.