The Giants lost to the Reds tonight 4-2 to fall to 9-8 on the season. Clay Hensley picked up the loss after Barry Zito pitched six innings of one-run baseball. Jose Arredondo picked up the win for the Reds who are now 9-9.
This loss was very distraughting because Zito pitched so well. The Giants rely so much on pitching, the bullpen can’t be wasting quality starts. Clay Hensley has particularly been struggling recently, giving up several hits in his last few appearances. This is also the second game that he has given up the lead and taken the loss. I know it’s going to be tough on the Giants bullpen after losing Brian Wilson, but the bullpen as a staff needs to step up to collectively overcome the loss of one of the best closers in the game.
Angel Pagan hit a home run tonight, but I’m not happy with how he is doing in the leadoff spot. I know he has a lot of speed, but it seems like he is trying to hard to hit for power. I’d rather he hits for contact and just tries to get on base to set the table for the middle of the order. In the last week he has hit less than .250 with two home runs. Like I said, go for contact, get on base, and steal some bags. That’s what I want from my leadoff man.
On another note, how good has Barry Zito looked? Every single one of his starts has been a quality start, and tonight was no different. He had the Reds’ hitters off-balance all night long. The only blemish was the solo shot he gave up to Scott Rolen to lead off the seventh inning, but Bruce Bochy’s plan was to let him pitch the seventh until he gave up a hit. In retrospect, it might have been better to go straight to the bullpen, but I can’t blame Bochy for his decision because Zito was on such a roll.
Overall, a disappointing loss but hopefully the Giants can avoid the sweep and pick up a win tomorrow.
