California Sports Journal

Unfortunately for Giants fans, it was just pre-game batting practice. And unfortunately for the Giants, Alou would still be on the DL for the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Once the contest started, the rest of the Giants lineup struggled to get the big hit, stranding eight runners over the final four innings and ultimately losing 2-1.

"We had what, 11 hits?" manager Felipe Alou wondered after the game. "By accident, we should have scored two or three or four runs."

It is the third loss in a row for the Giants (6-8), who continue to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers increase their lead in the NL West.

"We don’t want to fall behind too far," shortstop Omar Vizquel said. "Everyone keeps saying, ‘It’s early, it’s early.’ But these games, they hurt in the end."

Diamondbacks starter Javier Vazquez got his first win of the season, giving up eight hits and two walks in seven scoreless innings. Vasquez, who came over from the Yankees in the offseason Randy Johnson trade, had given up at least five runs in his previous three starts and gave the Giants plenty of opportunities in this one.

"We had shots. We had men on," Alou said. "But we didn’t get the big hit."

The Diamondbacks (8-7) did. Luis Gonzalez hit an RBI double in the third, scoring Craig Counsel. The D-Backs shortstop had reached base after a throw error by Lance Niekro pulled shortstop Omar Vizquel off the second base bag while trying to turn a double play. Both Counsel and pitcher Javier Vazquel, who was walked, were safe on the play.

One batter after Gonzalez, Troy Glaus hit a sacrifice fly to score Royce Clayton, who reached base on a fielder’s choice and advanced to third on Gonzalez’s double.

The Giants scored their lone run in the ninth off of Diamondbacks closer Brandon Lyon. Mike Matheny hit a one-out double and advanced to third on pinch-hitter Deivi Cruz’s single. Ray Durham brought Matheny home with a sacrifice fly, but Vizquel then flied out weakly to left to end the game.

Giants starter Noah Lowry struggled early with his command, walking two batters in the first inning and throwing 79 pitches through four innings. He eventually settled down, ultimately giving up just two hits, two runs (one earned), and five walks.

"For me tonight, it was trying to find consistency," said Lowry, who took the first loss of his career. "By the time I figured it out, it was too late."