NLCS Game 1 - If the Giants wanted to take an early 1-game lead on the road against a Philadelphia team that has become quite familiar with the Postseason, having reached the NLCS for a third consecutive year, they'd have to face a pitcher coming off of one of the best Postseason outings in Major League history -- Roy Halladay. Philly wouldn't have it easy either, as San Francisco countered with their ace and 2-time defending NL Cy Young award winner -- Tim Lincecum, who also had an impressive outing in his first ever Postseason start. Although the battle between the two Goliath's would be a match-up of epic proportions and the headline coming into the game, there offense would get its time to shine as well.
During the regular season in late August, the Giants acquired Marlins outfielder Cody Ross on waivers primarily to prevent the division rival San Diego Padres from acquiring him down the stretch in the heat of their pennant race. His offensive production thus far in the Postseason however, would make one think he was picked up purposely as an everyday outfielder. Although that's not the case, Ross has fit in just well. Proving that on Saturday, Ross put an end to Halladay's hopes of throwing another no-hitter by hitting a solo home run in the third inning. Trailing by a run, Philly answered back with a solo shot of their own, off the bat of Carlos Ruiz just an inning later to tie the game at 1-run a piece.
Cody Ross would strike again in the fifth inning with another home run off Halladay, regaining the lead 2-1. Veteran outfielder Pat Burrell who played 8-years with the Phillies from 2000-2008, came up to bat in the sixth inning, hitting a ball to deep left field, coming a few feet short of a homer. As the ball bounced off the glove of Phillies left fielder Raul Ibanez, catcher Buster Posey came in to score. Giants manager Bruce Bochy then decided to yank Burrell in place of a pinch-runner. A move that proved to be costly for the Giants in Game 2 of the ALDS. The pinch-running Nate Schierholtz would eventually come in to score on a single up the middle from Juan Uribe.
Trailing by a score of 4-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Phillies would manage to scratch across a few more runs off Lincecum, thanks to a 2-run shot by Jason Werth, bringing Philly within a run. Lincecum would be lights out from there on out, finishing the game with 8 strikeout's and 3 walks, while surrendering 3-runs on 8-hits in 7-innings. The ball was then given to the bullpen who managed to shut the Phillies down for the final two innings, with closer Brian Wilson striking out Shane Victorino with a man left on base to end it. While Lincecum improves to 2-0 this Postseason, Halladay falls to 1-1. The Giants and Phillies may only be prepping for Game 2 of this series, but the momentum has to be on San Francisco's side, as they put an end to Philadelphia's Postseason streak of 7-straight wins during Game 1's. The win for the Giants also inches them 3-wins closer to their first World Series since 2002.
Game 2 Preview - Hoping to bring the Giants a game closer to the Fall Classic, is Jonathan Sanchez who looks to face Philly's Roy Oswalt who remains unbeaten on home turf. Game time scheduled at 4:30 p.m., Go Giants!
Thanks a lot, I appreciate it! Have fun at the game!
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