SAN FRANCISCO — Weeks ago, the Giants lost any hope of making the postseason. On Sunday night their fate can become official.
The Giants lost 3-2 to the Rockies, giving one back after taking the first two games of this series. If the Dodgers win in St. Louis on Sunday Night Baseball, the Giants will be officially eliminated from the National League West race.
This was a familiar theme. Good starting pitching, not enough hitting. Here's what you need to know from a grumpy day at the yard ...
--- Starting pitcher Dereck Rodriguez gave up three runs in the second, but only one was earned. It was a round of rough breaks for the rookie. First baseman Austin Slater booted a grounder that would have been the second out and Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta loaded the bases with a walk after home plate umpire Jerry Meals missed a pitch that would have given Rodriguez a strikeout. Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela poked a two-run single into left.
--- Rodriguez was charged with one earned on five hits in six innings. This was the third consecutive start that he has given up one earned run and failed to receive a win. This was also the 10th time this season that he has allowed fewer than three earned runs and received a loss or no-decision. He is the new Matt Cain.
--- Shortstop Brandon Crawford and second baseman Joe Panik turned back the clock for a special double play in the seventh. Panik fielded a grounder up the middle but his momentum was taking him toward left field, so he flipped the ball to Crawford, who stepped on the bag and threw over to first to end the inning.
--- Rookie left fielder Chris Shaw had a pair of singles, driving in a run with one of them. This was his first multi-hit game.
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--- Don’t forget about reliever Reyes Moronta when adding up the successes this season. The rookie struck out two in a scoreless eighth, lowering his ERA to 2.61.
