How cool is this Eli Whiteside story? The Giants' rookie back-up catcher, who plays sparingly behind Bengie Molina, has had some big moments in recent weeks. After catching the Jonathan Sanchez no-hitter last month, Whiteside launched a grand slam today -- his first career home run -- helping the Giants to a 10-6 victory over the Astros. San Francisco improves to 60-and-48, taking two of three games ON THE ROAD, and now return home to open a weekend set against Dusty Baker's Cincinnati Reds. Thursday's off-day, by the way, is the first for the team since the all-star break in mid-July.
The offense, which was non-existent in Monday's loss, bounced back with 18 runs Tuesday and Wednesday combined. Wednesday's 13-hit attack featured three hits apiece for Pablo Sandoval and Freddy Sanchez, and two more hits for Ryan Garko, who appears to be finding his comfort level in the National League.
The other story-line from Wednesday's win was rookie Joe Martinez, who returned to the mound for the first time since early April, after suffering a fractured skull from a line drive off the bat of Milwaukee's Mike Cameron. Martinez improved to 2-0 after working five solid innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, with four strike outs and zero walks. Martinez pitched well enough to keep his team in the game, and considering the extraordinary circumstances, how much more can one really ask from this kid?
The pitching rotation turns over Friday night, and you know what that means - LIN-CE-CUM!
