California Sports Journal

Alou had used his entire bullpen by the time he sent Deivi Cruz to pinch hit for reliever Tyler Walker with the bases loaded and nobody out in the bottom of the 13th.

When Cruz’ single won the game, Rueter won a reprieve.

After the game when Alou was asked if Reuter would still start tonight’s game, pitching coach Dave Righetti entered the Manager’s office and blurted "Yeah, we’re OK."

Reuter’s last relieve appearance came in 2000 with the Giants.

Schmidt’s Fourth Start

Giants ace Jason Schmidt started last night's game, his fourth start of the year. He allowed only six hits in seven innings, one which was Diamondbacks first baseman Chad Tracy’s three-run home run.
Schmidt threw 107 pitches and struck out five.

Unexpected Snow

Giants first baseman J.T. Snow surprised Giants fans Thursday night by batting in the bottom of the ninth, despite his pulled groin which has kept him on the bench the past two days.

Before the game that he had said he might return for Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, but felt good after stretching the muscle Monday.

"If I feel the way tomorrow the way I did today, I’m sure it’s a go," he said.

Before Thursday’s game, Snow joined his team for batting practice, then caught some ground balls, ran bases and stretched with head athletic trainer Stan Conte.

"He says he’s feeling good, and I’m a believable guy so I believe him," Giants trainer Stan Conte said.

The Return of Ortiz

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Russ Ortiz – who had a five year career with the Giants – allowed only three hits including Lance Niekro’s two run homer in the sixth.