Games 5 and 6 - Cubs and Dodgers

Games 5 and 6 turned out to be very tough for our surging Giants.  Undoubtedly we faced the best pitching we've seen all year and it was reflected in our low run totals each game.  However, having faced the best pitching in our league, we stood up to the challenge and nearly won both games.  This means that both our pitching and our defense matched up well with the finest in our league.  Our kids cannot be doubted for their willingness to fight in a tough contest like the last two games and as I've told them after each game, they should be extremely proud of their performance.  


Game 5 pitted two teams with early-season success against each other in what turned out to be a low-scoring defensive battle.    Excellent pitching from the Cubs limited our offensive attack to 4 runs on 9 hits, against 12 strikeouts and 5 walks.  Joe Fedota continued his hot hitting with a 3 for 3 performance and was supported by good hitting from Ben, Easton, Savion, Jordan and RJ.  The great part about our offense in this game was our ability to mount a comeback in the top of the 6th inning to take the lead in the game, only to have our efforts thwarted by sunset.


On the defensive side our pitchers did a nice job keeping the score down with timely accuracy.  Savion, Nic, Trevor and Ben all gave it their all against the Cubs limiting the opposing lineup to just 7 hits.  The story in this game, however was the walks.  The Cubs drew 20 walks against our pitching and despite terrific defensive plays (We had 9 put-outs in this game) the number of baserunners we allowed was too much for us to overcome in the time-shortened contest.


Game 6 matched our Giants against the Dodgers and their terrific one-two punch of pitchers.  Our offense managed only 3 hits in 27 plate appearances against the two Dodger pitchers.  While we were selective enough to draw 8 walks, we were equally non-selective at the plate, resulting in a season-high total of 14 strike-outs.  We need to be more selective at the plate early in the count and not swing at bad pitches that put us in a hole.  Our offense was led by Ben Linberg's 2 for 2 performance and excellent baserunning by Ethan and Sebastian to add to our run total when it counted late in the game.  Once again our offense showed some grit taking the lead late in the top of the 5th inning.  


Defensively the story was our starting pitcher, Ethan Luong.  Ethan threw down a virtuoso performance in this game, going 4 strong innings with 6 Ks and only two walks.  Very impressive.  Our glovework was once again very solid with 7 put-outs in this game, several coming at critical points in each inning with runners on base.  Savion played solid at shortstop, Trevor and Nic played a solid third base, and Easton continues to be a reliable first baseman.  We also saw some clutch plays by Sebastian and RJ at second base.  We don't allow too many freebies when it comes to balls hit to our fielders. 


The difference in our game against the Dodgers was our lack of offensive production.  While we were facing some quality pitching, I think we helped their pitchers too much by swinging at bad pitches.  We also could not capitalize on pitches in the zone.  It is probably time for an extra batting practice to sharpen our eyes at the plate.   In the meantime, have Dad and Mom throw wiffleballs to you after dinner,  it's fun for the whole family.  


Next game Wednesday vs. the Mets.  Lets go Giants..