SAN FRANCISCO — A day game can be a problem if you play poorly, leaving the manager an additional six hours or so to analyze every mistake and potential long-term problem. After Monday’s 3-1 win under the sun, Bruce Bochy had nothing to do but put his feet up and enjoy the rest of the holiday.
The Giants played one of their cleanest games of the year in a win over the Rockies. The defense sparkled on all corners of the field, Jake Peavy provided another solid start, two key bats came up with big hits, and the bullpen shut it down with ease. There were no fireworks during the first Fourth of July game at AT&T Park in five years, just a team showing all the reasons why it’s at the top of the National League West.
The Rockies took the first lead on a strange play in the second. With the bases loaded, Peavy whipped a pickoff throw to first for some reason. When Brandon Belt caught it on the grass, Peavy was called for a balk, putting Colorado up 1-0.
Peavy got out of the jam, and he soon had a lead. Buster Posey crushed a solo shot in the bottom of the second and Angel Pagan hit a two-run blast off lefty Tyler Anderson an inning later.
Peavy cruised through the middle innings, retiring 13 of 14 at one point. He stranded runners in the fifth and the sixth, and got the Giants through 6 2/3 before giving way to Javier Lopez, who stranded a runner in the seventh. It was clear sailing from there.
Starting pitching report: Peavy gave up one run on five hits and two walks, continuing the long journey back to a comfortable ERA. He’s down to 5.04 about six weeks after he took an 8.21 ERA into a start against the Padres. Starting with that game, Peavy has allowed just 12 earned runs in eight appearances.
Bullpen report: Sergio Romo pitched for the first time since April 10, and Bruce Bochy threw him right back into the eighth. DJ LeMahieu hit a grounder deep to the hole at short that Brandon Crawford handled effortlessly and then Nolan Arenado lined a double off the wall.
At the plate: Pagan’s homer was his fourth of the year. Last year, when leg injuries kept him from driving the ball, he hit three the entire season.
In the field: Mac Williamson’s diving catch in right got Peavy the first out of the seventh. Williamson has now made that “Superman” catch in left and right over the past month.
Attendance: The Giants announced a crowd of 41,874 human beings, including Mark Swartz, a nice Marine who helped facilitate the flyover for his hometown team.
Up next: Madison Bumgarner faces TBA. Last time something in Bay Area sports was “To Be Announced” it worked out pretty well.
