DENVER - Bruce Bochy has spent most of his time at Coors Field this week discussing the pitching. With his coaches, with his bosses, with his trainer, with reporters. It has become a daily battle just to get through 27 outs.
Outside of getting Madison Bumgarner back, there's not much the Giants can do. Jeff Samardzija was put on the DL on Wednesday and Johnny Cueto only just started playing catch. The battle will continue, but that doesn't mean there isn't a path to victory.
The lineup is healthy, and will be full when Joe Panik returns Friday. Bochy needed a big night out of his hitters, and they overcame an early deficit to beat the Rockies 7-4. The win was the second on the road trip and prevented a sweep. It also kept them from falling six games out of first. Here are the details ...
-- Derek Holland gave up a long three-run homer in the first to Nolan Arenado (it happens … like, all the time) but then settled in. He gave up four runs in five innings. That's not bad work at Coors Field. Holland was easily the staff's best pitcher in May.
-- Gorkys Hernandez covered 53 feet to make a diving catch that ended the bottom of the fifth and saved the Giants at least a run. It was one of the better plays made by a Giants outfielder this season. Let's just say it's a play that Giants center fielders have not made a whole lot the last, oh, three or four years.
-- Mac Williamson had two hits, including a double to right, his third in two days. Williamson had a round of BP on Tuesday that was so grounder-filled that the coaching staff grew concerned, but he was working on a swing adjustment. It clicked in, and he had two doubles Tuesday night.
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-- Pablo Sandoval's second start at second base was rather uneventful. He wasn't really tested, although he nearly pulled Brandon Crawford off the bag with a high throw to second. Kelby Tomlinson took over defensively before the bottom of the fifth.
-- Reyes Moronta had a quick sixth. He has been outstanding. In 24 appearances, he has a 1.44 ERA.
