Fun While It Lasted

Last night, I made my first appearance of the season at Pacific Bell Park to see Barry Zito and the Giants take on the streaking Astros. Even though the Astros had been playing some good ball, there was much to be excited about - the Giants had one two games in a row, Omar Vizquel was back, and Barry Zito couldn't possibly go 0-8.

It was comforting to be back in the confines of our beautiful ballpark, seated in the "lower box," a bit closer than my typical "view reserved." Next to me was an older fan who may have been practicing for a grumpy announcer gig or something because his mouth did not stop for the entire duration of the game. He had some nice things to say about Fred Lewis, but for the most part - despite his Giants jacket - he was an orange and black hater. He made no apologies for his disdain of Barry Zito - calling him a bum several times and rooting for him to blow the lead "like you always do." He also had some hate reserved for Randy "no arm" Winn, whom he berated as "stupid" for catching a foul ball with one out, allowing the leading run to score. "The Fan" crapped out around the seventh, which was sad because I did not have the chance to suggest he stroll down to the dugout and ask for a coaches application.

As for the game, things were looking good for the first five innings. Zito hadn't allowed any runs. He got into trouble a couple of times, but fought his way out with ease, getting a strikeout or a double play when he needed it. The crowd was even behind him - cheering in every 3-2 count and giving ovations after every scoreless inning. Some of that may have been sarcastic, but at least there were no boos.

The offense seemed to be behind him for once as well. Two runs were scored in the third behind doubles from Fred Lewis and Omar Vizquel. John Bowker launched a solo homer in the fourth that was declared a "splash hit" though replays showed that was just wishful thinking. Still, it was a 3-0 lead and Zito seemed to be pitching well.

But then the Astros tied it up with a little sixth inning rally, capped by Lance Berkman's 2-run homer to center. Zito kept his composure and got the next two hitters out, but the damage had been done. The Astros were poised and ready for the Giants bullpen. In the eighth, with the bases loaded, Keiichi Yabu made an odd pickoff throw to first, a few inches out of Bowker's reach. As it skidded into foul territory, one runner scored. There was a chance to get an out at the plate, but Eugenio Velez's throw sailed right over Bengie Molina's head. That kind of sealed the deal right there. I was sad "the fan" missed that one - but it may have given him a heart attack.

So, the Giants lost, but at least the tickets were free and Barry Zito got a no decision. It was great to see Lewis and Bowker have success against Roy Oswalt - further proof that those two young guys are the real deal.