On today's Locked On Giants podcast, host Ben Kaspick talks about the San Francisco Giants' much-needed win over the Angels on Tuesday afternoon. Coming into this game, the Giants had lost their last three games in which they had a 9th-inning lead. They blew a five-run 9th-inning lead on Friday, a three-run 9th-inning lead on Saturday, and a one-run 9th-inning lead on Monday. So the Giants hoped for a nice, easy win on Tuesday, and that's exactly what they got. Mike Yastrzemski hit a leadoff home run and made a game-altering catch that saved two runs. He's looked like a National League MVP frontrunner all season. He may not have the star power to hold off the likes of Fernando Tatis Jr. or Mookie Betts, but Yaz's MVP-like season should be recognized. He enters Monday leading the majors in FanGraphs WAR.
Trevor Cahill started the game for the Giants. It was Cahill's second appearance with the Giants. His first start came on the road against the Astros, and he pitched okay but struggled with command and walked four in two innings. This time around, Cahill was sharp. He went four strong innings, allowing just one run and striking out four. Cahill joins a Giants rotation that is surprisingly decent. Kevin Gausman, Johnny Cueto, Logan Webb, Tyler Anderson, and Cahill give the Giants a chance every night. Drew Smyly should help, too, whenever he's able to come back from his index finger strain. The only Giants starter who has struggled mightily is Jeff Samardzija, who's on the IL with a shoulder injury.
Giants veterans helped fuel the offense in this 8-2 win. Pablo Sandoval hit a two-run homer on a neck-high fastball, Brandon Crawford pitched in with a couple of doubles, and Brandon Belt and Evan Longoria also got in on the action. The Giants led 8-1 going into the bottom of the 9th, which still didn't feel totally comfortable given how their last three 9th-inning leads had gone. Shaun Anderson was brought in after Caleb Baragar, Sam Selman, Wandy Peralta, and Jarlin Garicia pitched clean innings in support of Cahill. Anderson, however, threw two pitches near the head of Mike Trout. It was immediately questioned whether the throws were on purpose, after Longoria was drilled in the back by a fastball earlier in the game. If intentional, Anderson should be punished and reprimanded. However, it's entirely possible that the up-and-in pitches were unintentional. Manager Gabe Kapler said after the game, "We don't throw at people. It's not who we are." Anderson ended up walking Trout and allowing a run, but ultimately he got the final three outs of the game.
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