Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
BY RICK PORCARO
Joc Pederson continued his recent hot streak with a pair of hits and three RBI’s and seven San Francisco pitchers combined to shut down the Phillies when it mattered most as the Giants scored a 5-4 win over Philadelphia in a back and forth game that saw five lead changes Saturday afternoon at Oracle Park.
In a marathon game that last nearly three hours and 45 minutes where the Giants used 23 players, it was Pederson’s bases-loaded walk off Brad Hand in the sixth that proved decisive, with Camilo Doval registering the final four outs to record his 19th save of the season.
Giants catcher Andrew Knapp congratulates Camilo Doval after the final out of San Francisco’s 5-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies Saturday afternoon at Oracle Park.
“Obviously, it was excellent,” Giants manager Gabe Kapler said. “He mixed his pitches, which is something we’ve been pushing really hard with him. He tends to really like his sinker, or he tends to really like his slider, or he tends to really like his four-seam fastball. But I think he’s going to be most effective in his career if he’s mixing his pitches.”
The Giants continued to play the role of spoiler, knocking off a Phillies team fighting with San Diego and Milwaukee for the final National League Wild Card spot. Just a day after getting smacked 13-1, Philadelphia responded with 12 hits but was only 3-15 with runners in scoring position.
Giants catcher Andrew Knapp prepares to tag out Kyle Schwarber in the fifth inning of San Francisco’s 5-4 win over the Phillies Saturday afternoon.
“I think we owe it to the fans to put the best possible product that we can put on the field for the next calendar month,” Kapler said. “We take that responsibility seriously. I think there’s a way to finish strong for us that will create a really good springboard for ‘23. I think we’re all focused on taking that seriously.”
The two teams return to action Sunday afternoon to complete the three game series with Carlos Rodon (12-7, 3.03) scheduled to face Philadelphia’s Ranger Suarez (8-5, 3.42).
GAME NOTES:
Pederson is now batting .524 with three homers and 13 RBI’s his last seven games.
The Giants clinched their first series victory since sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates Aug. 12-14.
