Sandoval powers Giants past Phillies 7-2
July 31, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—It was a surprise to Pablo Sandoval(notes) that he had splashed asolo home run into McCovey Cove on the 50th anniversary of Hall of Famer WillieMcCovey’s debut with the Giants.
That made his drive in San Francisco’s 7-2 victory over the PhiladelphiaPhillies on Thursday night even more special. McCovey is a regular visitor inthe Giants’ clubhouse and he and Sandoval often speak.
“It’s special right now. I hit McCovey Cove and McCovey’s here,” Sandovalsaid, noting he had seen the former first baseman earlier. “He talks to meevery time he’s in the clubhouse.”
Jonathan Sanchez(notes) (4-9) struck out seven in 5 2-3 innings in theleft-hander’s first home start since throwing the team’s first no-hitter in 33years on July 10 against San Diego. Sandoval also hit a two-run double andEugenio Velez(notes) had a career-high three hits and drove in three runs in SanFrancisco’s fourth straight win.
Next up Friday is the highly anticipated Phillies debut of reigning AL CyYoung Award winner Cliff Lee(notes), acquired along with outfielder Ben Francisco(notes) fromCleveland on Wednesday.
Series at a Glance Philadelphia 2 San Francisco 7 Thu, Jul 30 – Final Philadelphia at San Francisco Fri, Jul 31 – 10:15 pm ET Philadelphia at San Francisco Sat, Aug 1 – 9:05 pm ET
New Giants first baseman Ryan Garko(notes) was a teammate of Lee’s until beingtraded to the Giants on Monday. San Francisco sought his insight during ameeting Thursday.
“He won the Cy Young for a reason,” Garko said. “I didn’t really want totell them what I’ve been seeing. He’s been tough. He’s going to be one of thebest you face.”
Francisco started in center field as All-Star Shane Victorino(notes) rested hisbruised left knee that forced him to leave Wednesday’s 4-0 loss at Arizona inthe seventh inning.
Ryan Howard(notes) doubled in a run in the first that put the Phillies ahead, butthey did little else against Sanchez until Chase Utley’s(notes) leadoff homer in thesixth.
Both benches were warned after former Giants pitcher Tyler Walker(notes) hit Garkoin the left shoulder in the seventh. That came after Sanchez sailed a pitch overUtley’s head in the sixth before his homer.
“I didn’t try to hit him,” Sanchez said. “I have nothing against him. Itwas supposed to be away and got out of my hand.”
San Francisco Giants' Pabl… AP – Jul 31, 1:16 am EDT
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel didn’t think Sanchez tried to get Utley.
“The score was 7-1. I don’t know why he would be trying to hit him,”Manuel said. “I give him the benefit of the doubt.”
Garko said he didn’t think Walker threw at him intentionally either. Whilehe was a little bit sore, Garko wasn’t concerned.
All four Giants’ runs in the fourth were unearned after third baseman andformer Giant Pedro Feliz(notes) made a wild throw to second for an error on JuanUribe’s(notes) grounder.
Sanchez left to a roaring standing ovation when replaced by Justin Miller(notes)following a two-out walk to Raul Ibanez(notes) in the sixth. Francisco followed withhis first hit with the Phillies, a double. It was the first decision for Sanchezin six career appearances against Philadelphia.
Phillies starter Rodrigo Lopez(notes) (3-1) was tagged for eight hits in fourinnings but only three of his seven runs were earned. Philadelphia had won allfour of his previous outings this year.
Philadelphia Phillies' Rod… AP – Jul 31, 12:11 am EDT
Sandoval’s home run to the water marked the 49th time it’s been done by theGiants and the second this year. Home run king and ex-San Francisco sluggerBarry Bonds(notes) hit 35 splash-hit homers here. Andres Torres(notes) had the other one thisseason, on June 15 against the Los Angeles Angels.
Torres left this game after the second with a strained left hamstring. Hewas to be re-evaluated Friday and have an MRI.
Newly acquired All-Star second baseman Freddy Sanchez(notes), who came over fromPittsburgh on Wednesday when they were in town, could make his Giants debutsometime this weekend after his inflamed left knee calms down. He’s notofficially on the roster as the Giants had 72 hours to add him.
NOTES: Garko is 1 for 10 since joining his new team. … Phillies RHP PedroMartinez(notes), on the DL with a shoulder strain, will make a rehab start for Triple-ALehigh Valley on Friday night. He will be on a pitch count of about 70-80. GMRuben Amaro Jr. said there’s no plan to bring Martinez back as a reliever.“That’s not something we’ve discussed with him,” he said. … Philliesreliever J.C. Romero(notes) (forearm) is scheduled to throw off a mound Sunday. ClayCondrey(notes), another injured reliever on the DL, won’t begin long toss for anotherfive or six days as he recovers from a strained side muscle. “We’re going to bereal cautious with him,” Amaro said. … Giants OF Randy Winn(notes) was a latearrival at the ballpark following the death of his father-in-law. He replacedTorres in CF in the top of the third. … San Francisco CF Aaron Rowand(notes), nursinga forearm injury, played catch from 120 feet and “felt much better,” accordingto manager Bruce Bochy. … Walker, the former Cal guy, plunked Garko, theformer Stanford guy.
Comments
Got something to say?
