A's No Match Against Giants Offense

The Giants picked up where they left off Thursday and got off to another impressive start for the offense. They dominated early, leaving many to think change has come.
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San Francisco, CA -- The Giants picked up where they left off Thursday and got off to another impressive start for the offense. They dominated early, leaving many to think, change has come. The bats were alive a second day and the team effort was at its best.

The winning streak continued against the Oakland A's after losing the contest 8-6. San Francisco has won each of its last nine home games against the A's dating back to 2009. Off to another amazing start was Brandon Belt who drove in runs in his first three plate appearances. Going 3-for-4 with an RBI single, walk and a sacrifice fly.

"It feels great to go out there and do that, and I think it's part of being selective," said Belt.

Taking an early 2-0 lead in the second was nothing compared to the third. Oakland did the unthinkable and walked two batters while the bases were loaded. Both pitchers Jarrod Parker and Jerry Blevins combined a total of 80 pitches and issued five walks.

Thus the Giants took advantage and scored four runs, including an RBI double from Brandon Crawford and a sacrifice fly from Hector Sanchez. San Francisco had that "eye of the tiger" and coasted the remainder of the game. Angel Pagan matched his career-high with three scored runs and recorded his team-leading 8th stolen base of the season.

"I don't know, just a little off today," Parker said. "It was one of those snowball effects. I fought myself today, and the results weren't obviously what I wanted, so you move on and forget about it."

Despite an incredible night from Josh Donaldson who had a career-high three hits (3 for 4). He had a solo home run, two doubles and a career-high five RBIs. But the A's could not overcome poor pitching which resulted in a combined total of nine walks. This was the first time the Giants recorded 9-or-more runs in back-to-back games since July 16 1995.

"I've been grinding and things just haven't gone my way here lately," said Donaldson. "To have a night like tonight, unfortunately in a loss, I finally felt good and comfortable."

Jarrod lasted only two innings allowing six earned runs on four hits and four walks. Oakland didn't throw in the towel, Jemile Weeks leadoff the sixth with a triple and Cliff Pennington's RBI single cut the lead by five. At that point Barry Zito's night ended after he gave up five hits, four runs (all earned), one walk and five strikeouts.

"I was more upset with myself for not slamming the door that inning and letting things get out of control," Zito said. "I want the ball but I definitely go with Bochy's decision every time, but I was definitely angry with myself with the 3-0 to Weeks to leadoff that inning and that was the difference."

A pivotal point in the game for the A's came in the sixth. Josh hit a three-run double that cut the lead by 2 and Oakland got back in the game. But their rally was cut short due to great defense from San Francisco. The bullpen maintained control, both Jeremy Affeldt and Sergio Romo pitched perfect seventh and eighth innings.

"Guys have really made a conscious effort, grinding out every at-bat as much as they can throughout the lineup," said manager Bruce Bochy. "We're doing a much better job and walks help. They keep things moving, if you don't get the pitch to hit just let the next guy do it."

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