Giants 3, Rockies 2: Johnson Dominates Rockies, Gets Win 297

On a cold, wet Friday night in San Francisco, the Colorado Rockies (8-13) fell to the San Francisco Giants (11-10) 3-2. The loss moved the Rockies to a disheartening 0-6 in one run games thus far in 2009.

As I predicted before the game, this game was a pitcher's duel between Randy Johnson and Ubaldo Jimenez. Through thoroughly wet and windy conditions both Johnson and Jimenez were on their game--though Ubaldo was markedly less sharp than Johnson--going seven innings and allowing four and five hits respectively. Ultimately it was Johnson (2-2) who came out with the win, giving him 297 in his remarkable career (19 against the Rockies). Johnson really was dealing tonight--I don't blame the Rockies' hitters so much as tip my hat to Randy for this one. Despite his solid effort, Jimenez took the loss (1-4).

Box Score

After Johnson left though, the Rockies' bats came alive. Chris Iannetta's leadoff homerun in the eighth was one of five hits in the inning (though three were of the infield variety), but closer Brian Wilson struck out Ryan Spilborghs swinging with the bases loaded to end the threat. Wilson got four outs to record his sixth save.

Meanwhile, Travis Ishikawa and the Giants made the most of their limited opportunities against Jimenez, scratching out runs on two sacrifice flies and an RBI double by Ishikawa.

via www.fangraphs.com

As you can see, this game was pretty steadily in the Giants' favor, though the top of the eighth inning fluctuated wildly from batter to batter.

Rock Stars:

Randy Johnson: 7 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 9 K, 0 BB, .419 WPA

Brian Wilson: 1.1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 K, 1 BB, .275 WPA

Travis Ishikawa: 2-3, R, RBI, .121 WBA

Chris Iannetta: 1-3, HR (4), R, RBI, .086 WPA

Ubaldo Jimenez: 7 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 5 K, 2 BB, -.007 WPA

Jukebox Zero:

Ryan Spilborghs: 0-4, 2 K, 3 LOB, -.246 WBA

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Thanks to all 34 who contributed over 860 comments tonight. Despite the loss it was a fun thread.

Wrap Rating: The Rockies' record in one run games makes me a Sad Panda...

via media.giantbomb.com