Game three for the San Francisco Giants concluding the short series with the San Diego Padres was a rest day for many of the everyday players after clinching the N.L. West Saturday night. Opening the door for many other players to showcase their talents for a shot at the postseason roster.
“We had some guys that needed some at-bats,” manager Bruce Bochy pointed out.
The San Francisco Giants and company celebrated in different fashion this Sunday afternoon. Coaches, players and fans all much more relaxed after a long a night.
Fan Appreciation Day was the theme on this Sunday. Many give-a-ways were announced throughout the game to soften the blow of the 6-4 loss to the Padres. Including a brand new car for one lucky winner.
Starter Yusmeiro Petit gave the Giants a decent outing considering the short notice. Petit lasted 4 and two-thirds innings allowing 2 earned runs. However, in the fifth he surrendered four straight singles forcing him out the game.
“It’s been a while since he been on the mound,” Bochy mentioned. “But he stayed sharp. He showed he can pitch.”
After Petit, came an abundance of relievers many of whom struggled. Clay Hensley hurt any chance he had at joining the team in the postseason. The veteran allowed four base runners and 2 runs to score against him.
Former starting first baseman Aubrey Huff reminded the coaches that he still has some pop left in his bat. Huff blasted a long single of the bricks in right field. Considering the Giants have little power off the bench, the swing was convincing enough to earn him a strong consideration to remain on the bench for pinch hitting in the future.
“He finds a way to get on base,” Bochy said of Huff. “You have to like his at-bats…it’s so valuable for a club to have a good left-handed pinch hitter.”
Looking ahead, the Giants will have Monday off before starting the last home series of the season when they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Bochy still has some decisions to make on the playoff roster so it seems as if he will use these last few games to help him get a clearer picture.
(All quotes obtained first-hand, unless otherwise noted.)
