Tim Lincecum showed no signs of rust after skipping last week's turn in the rotation with back stiffness. Lincecum spearheaded a 9-1 Giants' win over the Rockies, tossing seven strong innings, allowing just one run and striking-out eleven Monday night. Lincecum threw 116 pitches, and seemed to benefit from the extra rest with a little extra SNAP on the breaking pitches. Although he had double-digit strikeouts, he did walk four, and scattered numerous base runners.
Once again the offense came through: Aaron Rowand's clutch two-run single, the long ball from Bengie Molina (#18 on the year), and four RBI's from Eugenio Velez, as San Francisco pounded out 10 more hits (25 in the last two games). That was more than enough for Lincecum and the bull pen - Jeremy Affeldt and Bobby Howry allowed just one walk between them over the last two innings. Juan Uribe and Travis Ishikawa carried over the good vibes from Sunday with two hits apiece Monday.
Although everything went exactly as hoped for Monday, it's a new night tonight as the Rockies send THEIR ACE to the mound with Ubaldo Jimenez going up against Barry Zito.
Glad to see Randy Johnson making the effort to come back before the end of the season, and contribute down the stretch. Even if its not as a starter, Johnson could be a useful lefty out of the bull pen to compliment Affeldt and Dan Runzler.
Keywords: Aaron Rowand, Barry Zito, Bengie Molina, Bobby Howry, Colorado Rockies, Eugenio Velez, Jeremy Affeldt, Juan Uribe, Randy Johnson, San Francisco Giants, Tim Lincecum, Travis Ishikawa, Ubaldo Jimemez
