Heading into Game 2 with a 1-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the atmosphere in AT&T Park was like that of no other. After Tim Lincecum's dominant outing on Wednesday, the Giants faithful would be spoiled if they were to see another outstanding pitching performance. Matt Cain didn't quite equal Lincecum's 2-hit, 14 K performance, but he threw exceptionally well by striking out 6 and allowing only 1 run (unearned) in 6 2/3 innings. The Giants offense would then steal the show in the early going by scoring 4 runs in the first two innings. Pat Burrell ignited the fireworks after hitting a 3-run homer in the first inning, driving in Freddy Sanchez and Buster Posey. Matt Cain followed in the second by helping his own cause with an rbi-single putting the Giants up 4-0.
The Braves offense would finally make its Postseason debut, by scoring a run in the 6th inning after being held scoreless for nearly 15 innings. Also making it's first Postseason appearance this year, was the Giants bullpen. With a 4-1 lead heading into the 8th, the Giants looked like they were going to head into Atlanta with a 2-game lead. But that was until Giants skipper Bruce Bochy over-managed the game. After a stellar 6 2/3 innings registered by Cain, southpaw Javier Lopez was given the ball for the final out of the 7th. Sergio Romo then came in to start the 8th, and the wheels fell off from there. After inheriting two runners on base without recording an out (both on walks), it was up to closer Brian Wilson. Despite leading the Majors with 48 saves during the regular season, Wilson was rarely called upon to get any more than than 3-outs in a game. So a 6-out save during a pivotal Postseason game would be something new for the fire baller. The move would also prove to be very dangerous.
During the regular season, come from behind wins were routine for the Atlanta Braves who were second in the Major Leagues with 46. So when third baseman Pablo Sandoval committed an error on a dribbler he threw awkwardly to first, pulling Aubrey Huff off the bag, the Braves were in route to adding yet another come from behind win to the list. With two men on and only one out, Alex Gonzalez hit a 2-run double to tie the game and eventually leading to extra innings. What looked to be a friendly division series between two of Georgia's very own -- Buster Posey and Jason Heyward, turned into a rivalry thanks to the Giants home crowd. Coincidentally both are in the hunt for this years NL Rookie of the Year Award. During his at-bats, Heyward got an earful as chants of 'Posey's better' roared throughout the stadium.
With the bases loaded and one out in the 10th inning, Posey would get a chance to prove just that. But instead hit into an inning ending double play to end the threat. Then heading into the 11th, it happened. Former pitcher and one of Atlanta's latest acquisitions -- Rick Ankiel hit a booming shot to right field, clearing the fence and landing in McCovey's cove. The solo shot that was a no brainer would make Barry Bonds cringe given how hard it was hit and how deep it went. With the home run by Ankiel, the Braves had their first lead of the series and made sure the score stayed that way as Atlanta would take the game, 5-4 and even the series at one game apiece. As the Giants visit Atlanta's Turner Field for Game 3 on Sunday, Jonathan Sanchez will face Tim Hudson as both teams aim to take a 2-1 lead over one another.
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