That's Called a Winning Streak

The Giants did something over the past couple days that I doubt many people expected they could do. They went head-to-head with the Padres bullpen twice and won both games. With that, they won their first series of 2008, against a team who they beat only four times all of 2007. Sure, we're still 3-6, but the nature of these last two victories has me feeling optimistic again. Some of the highlights:

- Jonathan Sanchez was brilliant after getting shelled in his first start against the Brewers. He went six innings, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out 10. The main concern with Sanchez has always been control, and in 10 innings this season he's walked only four while striking out 18!
- Fred Lewis made an outstanding play in left field. He made a difficult catch along the bullpen mound, and then made a perfect throw home to get Jim Edmonds tagging from third. Will sent me a text message earlier asking "Could Barry Bonds have turned that double play?" The answer is no on either end.
- And of course, there was Dan Ortmeier, now a right-handed hitter exclusively, coming up with the game-winning hit. Jose Castillo had just hit a rocket that was caught, and it would've been extremely disappointing to go to extra innings, which would not have favored the Giants. Maybe the new right-handed Ortmeier will merit another look at first base.
- On a somewhat disappointing note, the crowd of 30,310 was the lowest ever at AT&T Park. We're going to need to string a few more of these wins together.

The 7-2 Cardinals come in for four starting tonight. St. Louis is off to a hot start, but they're a team I think the Giants can compete with because of their pitching.