Pinch hitter Delwyn (everyone calls me “PeeWee”) Young delivered in the bottom of the 9th with a two out infield hit. Rafael Furcal scored from secondbase as Giants secondbaseman frantically tried to throw out the blur that was Young streaking toward firstbase. Durham’s throw was late and by the time firstbaseman Rich Aurilia threw home, a hustling Furcal was under Benji Molina’s swipe tag with the winning run.
San Fran had taken the lead in the top of the 7th, but beleagured reliever Brad Hennesey spit it right back out when Furcal got him with two RBI’s in the bottom of the frame.
Two Japenese imports figured in the decision, Saito got the win and Yabu picked up the loss.
It was interesting earlier in the game when Bruce Bochy removed pitch count challenged SF starter Matt Cain in the bottom of the 6th, in a nothing-nothing game, Cain had thrown 114 pitches. Wisconsin native lefthanded reliever Jack Taschner was brought on to face Juan Pierre with the bases loaded and two outs. Joe Torre went with the book, sending Matt Kemp up to pinch hit, even though Taschner was much more effective against righties than lefties last season. Of course, Matt Kemp struckout, where are you Bill James?