SF’s unlikely run at the NL West flag continued Thursday with an 8 inning, 2 hit, 7 K performance by Matt Cain (13-9, 3.75 ERA). With all due respect to Jason Schmidt, Cain is a huge reason why the Giants are still playing meaningful games this late in the season. Though his contribution to the liner notes for the Dead C.’s ‘Vain, Erudite & Stupid’ (Badabing) is easily my least favorite part of the package.
SF will enter the weekend 3 games behind the Dodgers, 6-5 losers today to the Cubs. Aramis Ramirez hit a 3-run HR off Brett Tomko, part of a 4 run 7th inning for Chicago. LA heads home for a 4 game series with the 2nd place Padres (half a game back), 4-2 victors this afternoon in Cincinnati. Mike Cameron’s bases loaded single off Aaron Harang ended the latter’s shutout during an ugly 7th inning ; a subsequent intentional pass Josh Barfield led to a not-so-intentional walk of San Diego pitcher Clay Hensley. Cameron came in on Dave Roberts’ grounder to 2nd.