In the home opening series of the year, the San Francisco Giants took two of three games from the Atlanta Braves this weekend. It was also the first opportunity for many fans, including myself, to watch the much anticipated Jason Heyward play.
The most important fact I took away from this series is the strength of the Giants bullpen. In the 13 inning thriller, after a mediocre performance from Jonathon Sanchez, the bullpen went on to pitch 8 2/3 innings allowing only 4 hits, and one run. Every pitcher in the bullpen threw during the game. In game 2 of the series the bullpen wasn't as sharp, but still managed the game effectively, especially considering their labor the previous night. Game 3 only needed bullpen help from Jeremy Affeldt, after a spectacular performance by Tim Lincecum. Affeldt appears to be right where he left off last season, as one of the truly elite relievers in the majors.
Lincecum threw 7 innings in the series finale, allowing only one pitch to hurt him. The pitch is of course the two-run homer to Brian McCann. In the game Lincecum pitched wonderfully, allowing only 6 base runners to reach base, and striking out 10 batters. Todd Wellemeyer pitched a good game, prior to the seventh inning is his start, and showed how he can be a key contributor to the best rotation in baseball. Jonathon Sanchez wasn't too sharp in his start, but thanks to resilient play by the Giants, still managed to win the game.
Once again, Edgar Renteria was key. In the first game of the series he belted the two-run shot in the bottom of the 9th off Billy Wagner to send the game to extra innings. He had a total of 3 hits in the game. His individual play is going to be a major part of how the Giants will fair this season.
Pablo Sandoval racked the ball in the absence of Edgar Renteria, who was resting in game 3. Pablo homered, singled, and tripled, scoring 3 runs, and recording 2 RBIs. Kung-Fu Panda also displayed his aggressive nature at the plate, getting only 6 pitches thrown to him in 4 at bats. This issue should be addressed as the season progresses. Despite his amazing offensive outburst in the series' final game, Sandoval has struggled defensively. In the early part of the season he has recorded three errors, including two errors in this series.
Additionally, in the series Jason Heyward lived up to the hype. His defense was better than I had expected. Not to mention that the ball does electrify off his bat... when he hits it. He struck out five times in the series, but he did hit two homeruns, and got on base 7 times.
The Giants are now 5-1, and will play the Pittsburgh Pirates in their next series. Coming to town will be Garrett Jones, who single handedly destroyed the Giants last season.
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