A commanding, complete-game shutout from Anthony DeSclafani backed by a nine-run Giants explosion in the first two innings propelled San Francisco to a 12-0 win against the Rockies Monday night.
The Giants (15-8) leaped ahead to a 9-0 opening, with all nine hitters making it to the plate in back-to-back innings on the way to their fourth win over Colorado (8-14) this season.
Evan Longoria, returning from a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury, recorded 3 RBIs through two at bats as the Giants cleanup hitter. Buster Posey (4-for-5, HR, 3 RBIs) smashed his fifth home run of the month and season.
Longoria opened the scoring with an RBI single, then brought in another two runs with a double in the second before coming out for Jason Vosler.
RHP DeSclafani (2-0, 1.50 ERA) held the Rockies to just three hits and recording a season-high nine strikeouts. DeSclafani had previously pitched six scoreless innings against Colorado for his first win of the season Apr. 11. Rockies starting southpaw Austin Gomber was pulled after Longoria’s second-inning two-RBI double.
DeSclafani, who threw 100 pitches, said he realized the complete-game shutout was obtainable after his seventh inning:
“I peaked at my pitch count, saw that it was low and knew I had a chance to finish the game as long as I bear down, not get too laxed and just try to continue making pitches. Sometimes when you have that big of a lead it makes a little difficult, but I just had to bear down and pitch like it was a close game.”
Posey said of DeSclafani’s performance:
“Out the gate he had a really good fastball going, it was jumping. I think his ability to kind of give the hitters different looks as the game went along helped him pitch deep in the game. “
Following Longoria in the first inning, Buster Posey brought in Brandon Belt with an RBI double to center field for the 2-0 lead.
Darin Ruf then grounded a single to left field, allowing Longoria to jog home. Alex Dickerson rounded out the Giants opening offensive burst, grounding out to bring in Posey. The 4-0 start was the Giants second four-run first inning this season, the first coming in a 7-6 win against Cincinnati Apr. 13.
The downpour of hits continued through the second inning. Longoria’s night came to an end after he rocked a line drive double to deep center field, bringing in Slater and Wilmer Flores. Gabe Kapler said it was always the plan to ease Longoria in with a quick look.
Kapler said:
“We just thought it made some sense to get him a couple of at bats against a left-handed pitcher and stay disciplined about getting him out of the game. So it didn’t really matter if we were up or not in that game. We were going to get them a couple of at bats and then protect him, potentially give him a day [off] tomorrow.”
After being intentionally walked in his first at bat, Mauricio Dubón sent a three-run double to the center field wall for the 9-0 lead.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Dubón added a sacrifice fly to bring in Posey. Dubón’s second RBI of the season also matched the Giants season-high nine runs in a game.
Posey continued his productive April by roping a two-RBI home run to center field for the 12-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Kapler said:
“It was nice to have a very well pitched game, a crisp game on defense, and then to score a bunch of runs. There’s not much to complain about tonight. I usually spend an hour or so after games picking things apart, and what’s there to pick apart? The guys did a great job.”
DeSclafani offered up a funny anecdote to end his post-game media appearance:
“Just going to note, I had a bird poop on me earlier this week and I was like, ‘You know what? It’s gotta be good luck.’ I think it showed tonight, so I was happy.”
The Giants 15-8 record is their best start since 2003 … Flores returned from an illness Sunday that required an IV… Kapler gave injury updates Monday morning: Mike Yastrzemski to miss 5-6 games with mild oblique strain. Brandon Crawford might return tomorrow from quad injury. RHP Johnny Cueto could start May 9.
The Giants host the Rockies again Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. at Oracle Park. Aaron Sanchez (1-1, 1.83 ERA) is scheduled to face Chi Chi González (1-0, 3.00 ERA).
Last modified April 26, 2021 10:42 pm
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