Rock Bottom: San Francisco Giants Sink to Last

By Nick Dominici

As the Giants went down hitless Tuesday night against Cincinnati’s Homer Bailey, there lies a comparison: Which feels worse, being the end-piece of a no-hitter, or falling five games below .500, dead last in the division?

Homer Bailey #34 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates with teammates after throwing a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park on July 2, 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds won 3-0. / PHOTO BY JOE ROBBINS/GETTY IMAGES

Harsh words are all that’s left with the Harsh words are all that’s left with the situation at hand. Perhaps San Francisco needs the rock bottom vibe in the clubhouse, as if the only way to go is up. But there is nothing positive about one hit in the past two games, two wins in the last ten games, and a dead last spot in the NL West.
Though San Francisco’s roster contains a few possible All-Stars, with the likes of Marco Scutaro, Buster Posey, and Hunter Pence, a simple vote and three players hitting slightly above .300 is not necessarily a recipe for a Division title.  Baseball is a game where playing both sides of the ball share the same importance. In other words, the two have not come hand-in hand as of today, thirteen days before the All-Star game. To put it one way, the best starter on the Giants this year (Matt Cain) owns a 4.29 ERA; I’ll let you soak that in.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Michael Kickham can’t reach an infield single hit by Cincinnati Reds’ Joey Votto in the third inning of a baseball game, Monday, July 1, 2013, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) Photo: Al Behrman, Associated Press

What’ll the next move be, as San Francisco falls officially last in the National League West? General Manager Brian Sabean has decisions to make, as there are countless players and positions to blame for this season’s misfortunes.
Bringing down the jittery rookie Mike Kickham has been one topic, whose three starts alluded to sixteen earned runs, and a loss for each of those starts. Finding another bat as well has become a relevant topic while the Giants’ outfield struggles with injuries.

San Francisco Giants center fielder Gregor Blanco can’t catch a double hit by Cincinnati Reds’ Ryan Hanigan in the third inning of a baseball game, Monday, July 1, 2013, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) Photo: Al Behrman, Associated Press

Rock bottom, we will call it, as fans can only wait in hopes that this season is nothing but a horrid dream. Their backs have been against the wall before, resulting in success, but what will it take for these San Francisco Giants to get themselves off the wall? Their move.

17th Time's the Charm: Why this is the Reds' Game

Brandon Phillips' Two Run Home Run in the Third

Yesterday, Baseball opened the National League's playoffs with the first game of five between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants. Although the Reds were projected very well this season, the Giants were still the favorites, reaping the home team advantage. However, the outcome of the game was seen early in the third inning, when Cincinnati scored two runs off of Brandon Phillips' homer. But you don't want to listen to me, here's the box score.

Bottom line, Cincinnati's win was surprising. ESPN may have had a few more points invested in Cincinnati winning this game, but the popular opinion easily sided with the Giants. This is the first post season game the Reds have won in 17 years, but through the work of Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce, and Dusty Baker behind the bench, it looks as if the Reds can take this series in three. Their early loss of Johnny Cueto didn't seem to hinder their 5-2 victory at all, and with a great pitcher like Mat Latos, it doesn't seem that he will be depended on for the series.

However, the series is fresh, and the Giants could come back for a victory. It's obvious it will not be a sweep, but Buster Posey is definitely asserting himself as a Rookie of the Year, with his home run in the sixth. Other than Posey, however, the Giants were rather sub par. Cain and Mota sported a few too many wild pitches, and missed the target completely, causing catcher Posey to miss the ball, and allowing some gained bases by the Reds.

Overall, it was a great first game, with no definite series winner. The Reds had this game in the bag, but if there is anything history says about the Giants, it's that they won't give up this series that easily. A few tweaks with pitching, and they should be able to at least defend against the Reds impressive line up.