Game #16

GIANTS 4, CARDINALS 1

Tim Lincecum is just too good.  I can honestly say that he has the potential to be the next Sandy Koufax.  'Nuff said.

Aside from some ugly defense, there's nothing about this loss to feel bad about from the Cardinals' end.  And even though Lincecum was solid yet again, I think the Cardinals gave an encouraging performance at the plate against him, I really do.  It wasn't anything like their surprising bashing of Dan Haren the other night, but there was hardly a lack of effort from the bats today.  There were some very good, patient at bats from the Cardinals, and against a guy like Lincecum, where you know he can weave a masterpiece every time he's on the mound.  The Cardinals are showing that they don't care how good the guy is on the mound, they will put every bit of effort into beating him, and they won't give away at bats.  Now, that's not to say there weren't a few give-aways tonight.  Matt Holliday swinging at a 3-0 pitch and hitting into a crucial inning ending double play early in the game was an example of giving away an at bat.  But for the majority of the game, the Cardinals' hitters gave Lincecum their best. 

Along with an okay pitched game from Jaime Garcia, this is a game that I would just shrug my shoulders at.  I feel this way about this whole series.  Coming away with one win this weekend would be nothing to be disappointed about.  And if the Cardinals actually DO come back and win the next two games, then that would be something this team would be very proud of, considering this is against the Giants' top three guys, and it's on the road. 

I couldn't help but feel like the Cardinals were getting a taste of their own medicine tonight.  Imagine how other teams feel when they see the Cardinals on their schedule.  They know they're going to get at least one ace, and most likely more than one ace.  It's not very encouraging going into a series where you have to face either Chris Carpenter or Adam Wainwright, or even worse, both.  And Brad Penny is no slouch either.  Hopefully, Garcia can have gain some respect as well.  He's had a good start.

With that said, it is Wainwright going for St. Louis tomorrow, and the Giants will go to Barry Zito, who is starting to get his career back together after an awful start following his leave from Oakland.  This game is Wainwright's chance to shine.  Tim Lincecum added to his Cy Young audition tonight.  Tomorrow night, it will be Wainwright's turn. 

Boxscore courtesy of mlb.com.