Photo by: Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group
San Francisco, CA -- The chemistry on this team is remarkable. Just a few pieces added during the offseason has shown the Giants have every opportunity to return to the postseason. The contributions given in each game is a sign that this team's playing good baseball.
San Francisco won the 2-1 decision over the Twins and improved to 5-0 in Interleague play this season. They clinched the three-game series and won six of their last seven games against Minnesota. The Giants now own the best record in the Majors.
"We had an opportunity and that's what you look for," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Not enough offense tonight and mostly that's because of their pitching staff."
"We're playing good baseball," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy. "We've been hitting on all facts to this point. The pitching has really come around and we've been clicking."
Ryan Vogelsong pitched six shutout innings and lowered his ERA from 9.00 to start the season to 3.20 after tonight's win. This is the 12th time in his career he's tossed six or more innings and not allowed a run. San Francisco is 5-1 in his last six starts.
"I'm always pitching not to give up any runs," Vogelsong said.
He walked off to a standing ovation in the seventh after tossing 6 2/3 innings. Vogelsong allowed three hits, one walk and seven strikeouts. The bullpen came in and backed the righty until the ninth. Closer Sergio Romo who won his 16th save surrendered a solo home run to Josmil Pinto to lead off the frame.
"I feel like when I'm out there I can throw anything at any count," said Vogelsong. "And that's always a great feeling. It's not always like that. The last couple of games it's felt like that."
Pablo Sandoval had another spectacular night on offense. He took pitcher Samuel Deduno deep for his sixth home run and second in the series. He gave the Giants a 1-0 lead to start off the second inning and drove in the second run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth. It was Sandoval's fourth homer in his last six games.
"Good swinging," Sandoval said. "I feel great right now at the plate. I'm trying to use the whole field, use the gaps... I just try to put the bat on the ball. I fight off pitches with strikes and try to get a good pitch to hit."