Giants Lose Another Series

The score was different but the results were the same, San Francisco lost a one run game for the fifth time in the last six games. Barry Zito and the Giants fell victim to the long ball in their 5-4 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Mariners.

Ken Griffey Jr. got things started for the Mariners in the bottom of the first, when he hit the 616 home run of his illustrious career to put the M's up 2-0.

That's the way things stayed until the Giants took the lead with a three run rally with two outs in the fifth. Eli Whiteside, Aaron Rowand, and Edgar Renteria all had rbi singles to put the Giants up 3-2.

Unfortunately for San Francisco, Zito was not able to keep the lead for long. When Seattle came up to bat in the bottom of the inning, he walked the lead off batter and gave up a single to Ichiro Suzuki. Yuniesky Bettancourt moved the runners up with a sacrifice, and Adrian Beltre came to bat with runners on first and second and only one out. Beltre responded with a three run blast that put Seattle up for good.

Zito finished the game with 6.1 innings pitched, 5 earned runs, 5 walks, and 5 strikeouts. A rather pedestrian effort given his recent success, but still not horrible. He struggled with his command all game, often missing high and away to right handed batters. Missing up in the zone is never a good thing and Barry paid the price in the form of two home runs and tally in the loss column.

Fred Lewis made the game close in the top of the eighth when he hit his second home run in as many days. Mississippi Fred could provide a big boost to the Giants floundering offense if he can continue his power streak.

San Francisco begins a three game series against the Atlanta Braves on Monday afternoon.

Win A Series Anyone?

I saved myself the pain of watching last night's game, only to find out that the Giants actually ::gasp:: won a baseball game! Matt Cain pitched a complete game and got his fifth win of the year as the Giants beat Seattle 5-1. Here are some quick notes on Saturday's game before we partake in this afternoon's offering.

• Matt Cain is a beautiful man. He gave up no walks and struck out seven.
• Utility infielder Juan Uribe broke the game open with a three run double.
• Fred Lewis added some insurance when he hit a two run shot, his second home run of the year.
  
• Jesus Guzman collected his first major league hit. It was originally scored a fielder's choice, but the ruling was eventually changed.

The Giants also have some action on the injury and transaction front.

• Pablo Sandoval injured his elbow on a throw to first base in Friday's game. It is speculated that he hyperextended his throwing elbow and will have to miss a few games. Sandoval will undergo tests to determine the severity of the injury, hopefully it does not turn out to be something more serious.
• Eli Whiteside has been called up from Triple-A Fresno. Noah Lowry was put on the 60-day DL list to clear a spot for Whiteside on the 40-man roster. Left-handed reliever Pat Misch was sent back down to Fresno to make room on the active roster.
• Brian Sabean has gone on record saying that he is actively shopping for another bat. Possible options include Indians infielder Mark DeRosa and Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson.
• Emmanuel Burriss and Travis Ishikawa will be sharing playing time with Kevin Frandsen and Jesus Guzman. The Giants are hoping the increased competition will improve their offensive output, and help Burriss and Ishikawa regain their spring training form.