Giants 8 – Tigers 3
It is a manager’s dream; stellar pitching, timely hitting, and a performance only The Babe and two others could equal. That’s what the Giants had going for them in game 1 of the fall classic.
Barry Zito shut the Tigers down to the tune of one run on seven base runners (one walk) in 5 2/3 innings pitched while the bullpen allowed two runs on two hits in 3 1/3 to help the Giants to an 8-3 victory. Justin Verlander, on the other hand, did not have a good night as Pablo Sandoval and Co. went at him at will. Sandoval beat the Tigers by himself hitting three homers (tying a ML record for homers in a single WS game) while knocking in four. Marco Scutaro added two RBIs, one coming in an unordinary second inning that opened the flood gates. After Verlander got the first two men in the inning he would get Angel Pagan to ground one to third base. The only problem was the ball hit the base, and deflected into left field allowing Pagan to reach second safely. Scutaro would follow with an RBI single and Sandoval would then hit his second homer of the night to make it 4-0.
Verlander would only last four innings as he allowed five runs (three by Sandoval homers) on seven base runners (one walk). The Tigers had a chance to get on the board in the first with one out and Prince Fielder up to bat. Fielder would then swing at the first pitch and fly out to left. Delmon Young would then ground out to end the threat. They would have another shot to cut into the Giant lead in the sixth. After a Miguel Cabrera one out RBI single, Zito would get Fielder to line out Gregor Blanco, who made a great diving catch to rob him. Young would then single bumping Zito from the game to a loud standing ovation. Tim Lincecum would then come in to strike Jhonny Peralta out to end the inning. Peralta would add a two run homer in the ninth to end the scoring at 8-3.
Starters Lines:
Verlander (Loss): 4 IN, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K’s, 11.25 ERA
Zito (Win): 5 2/3 IN, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K’s, 1.59 ERA
Game 2 will be tomorrow night at 8:07pm
Doug Fister 0 – 0 1.35 ERA (Det) vs. Madison Bumgarner 0 – 2 11.25 ERA (SF)
Photo Credits: DAVID J. PHILLIP/AP
