Giants Sweep Double Header in Chicago

Well, just like the Giants, we're doing a Double-Post today, but I'm going to keep this one really short cause the Giants did all the talking on the field today.

If you were fortunate enough to watch or listen to the ballgames today, you know exactly what I mean. It felt good to be a Giants fan today, starting off with the offensive out-poor in game one, followed by Barry Zito's triumphant return in the night cap. The unsung hero of the night has to go to Mr. Brandon Crawford, who I admit, I've been particularly hard on at this site in recent weeks, but the kid showed big league ability in that game 2, and that defensive save deep in the hole off taking a hit away from Aramis Ramirez was just as important as any hit of any one's bat today. Who knows what would have happened had that ball gotten through and another run crossed the plate to give the Cubbies a 3-1 lead and keep the inning alive. Zito did what he was supposed to do, pitching brilliantly after that spotty 3rd inning, locating the change-up and fastball throughout the night for 7 strong innings. It was a nice rest for the bullpen after Ryan Vogelsong could only get through 5 innings in game one, thanks largely in-part to some horrendous defense, but he'll be the first to tell you he didn't have his A-stuff today.

Offensively, Cody Ross (4-9, with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored), Nate Schierholtz (4-5, 3 RBI), Brandon Crawford (2-4, 2B, 2 RBI), Miguel Tejada and Pat Burrel (each with 3 hits and a home run) all were standouts throughout the day, but everyone on the team from Aaron Rowand to Manny Burris got in on the action as well. The bullpen pitched great in both games too, and though the defense was in-sufficient in game 1, they had their A-Defense out there at night and it showed. Now they get 2 more in Chicago which is feeling like home away from home right about now, and they get another couple of starters who have seen better days, starting with Ryan Dempster going up against Timmy tomorrow night. As far as the lineup, it should be interesting, after all the players who played so well today, to see how Bochy fills out the card for Wednesday's game when they'll enter play a season high 12 games above .500 and 2.5 up on the D-Backs in the West!