August 15, 2012 [LINK / comment]
Another perfect game in Seattle
Lightning isn't supposed to strike twice in the same place, but it appears there are no natural laws against multiple perfect games in the same place. Felix Hernandez did just that today, throwing the second perfect game in Seattle this year, with 12 strikeouts, as the Mariners edged the Tampa Bay Rays, 1-0. It was the first perfect game in team history, the third perfect game this year, and the 23rd perfect game in Major League history. See MLB.com. What in the world is going on? Are all these perfect games a side-effect of global warming??
Phil Humber (White Sox) pitched a perfect game against the Mariners in Seattle on April 21, and Matt Cain (Giants) pitched a perfect game against the Astros in San Francisco on June 13. See my June 15 blog post.
Nationals edge the Giants
Speaking of the Giants, they certainly bounced back after the 14-2 defeat inflicted upon them by the Nationals on Monday night. Starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner outdueled the Nats' Jordan Zimmermann in the very kind of close, low-scoring game that had been expected, and the Giants added four insurance runs in the eighth inning to win by a score of 6-1. It was rough going for relief pitcher Drew Storen, who is still trying to regain his form after having surgery on his elbow this past spring.
In today's rubber match of the series in San Francisco, Stephen Strasburg prevailed over Tim Lincecum, who gave up two runs in the first inning and the third inning. Once again, Danny Espinosa (now playing shortstop, while Ian Desmond heals) belted a home run that proved crucial in the game's outcome. The ball landed in the bleachers on the right side of center field, almost the deepest part of AT&T Park. Wow! Also "werthy" of mention: three RBIs by Jayson Werth and four hits (including two doubles) by Steve Lombardozzi. Final score: Nationals 6, Giants 4.
Melky Cabrera was out of the Giants' lineup today because he tested postive for excessive testosterone, violating MLB drug rules, for which he received a 50-game suspension. ("Is it Low T?")
So, the Nats are now 73-45, having won eight of their last ten games (all on the road), with a 4 1/2 game lead over the Atlanta Braves. After a day or rest on Thursday, they will return home to D.C. and welcome the New York Mets to town. With any luck, I'll be there to watch a game or two!
AT&T Park photos
Speaking of AT&T Park, I was kindly reminded by Glenn Simpkins of the photos from AT&T Park that he forwarded to me twelve months ago. It's another example of how far behind I sometimes get in e-mail correspondence. Four of those photos are now posted on the AT&T Park page. I noticed a few details on those diagrams need to be enhanced, such as the platforms in the upper deck. Many thanks to Glenn, and to all other fans who have shared their ballpark photos.
Speaking of which, does anyone have some good shots of Marlins Park???