California Sports Journal

It’s been more than a century since George Leroy Wiltse took the mound for the New York Giants, won his first start and then just kept winning. His 13 straight victories to start a career have stood up against the likes of Juan Marichal, Clydell "Slick" Castleman and now, Noah Lowry.

Lowry was handed his first career loss last night in a 2-1 decision to the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco’s third straight defeat. The 24-year-old starter had won his seven previous decisions dating back to Aug. 3 of last season and had moved behind only Wiltse on the franchise’s all-time list.

If you’ve never heard of Wiltse, don’t feel bad. Lowry hadn’t either until people started asking him about a streak that put his name above Marichal’s and Castleman’s in the record books. But just so we’re clear, Wiltse’s streak in 1904 was the start of a career in which he won 139 games, threw 30 complete games in one season and even played a little outfield.

"It’s definitely an honor to be put in the same category with those guys," said Lowry, whose command was missing through a six-inning struggle.

"Tonight definitely was a battle for me all night," he added.

Lowry gave up only two runs on two hits, but he walked five. An RBI double to center by Luis Gonzalez in the third followed by a sacrifice fly from Troy Glaus one batter later was all the Diamondbacks needed.

"He struggled with his command tonight," Giants manager Felipe Alou said. "He’s a tough kid though and he pitched well."

While Lowry was struggling early, Arizona’s Javier Vazquez was in control. The power pitcher tossed seven scoreless innings and retired seven of his first eight batters.

"You have to get him early because if you don’t you know it will be a while before you do," Alou said. "He’s a strong guy. We really had our shots tonight but we hit into a lot of double plays."

Three to be exact. The Giants also couldn’t capitalize on 11 hits, leaving 10 runners on base.

"Even by accident we should have scored two or three or four runs," Alou said.

The Giants have kept this thing together to this point without Barry Bonds and Moises Alou in the lineup with a handful of timely hitting and pinch of drama. This loss is what happens when all of that fades away.

"You don’t want to fall behind too far," said shortstop Omar Vizquel, who may see himself batting leadoff soon if Ray Durham doesn’t turn things around. "Everyone’s saying it’s early, it’s early, but these games, they hurt in the end."