Giants Take First Place in NL

San Francisco, CA – It was only a matter of time before the Giants claimed first place in the National League West. They have been playing exceptionally well since the All-Star break. Tonight Jonathan Sanchez recorded a career-high 12 strikeout performance in a 10-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. “It feels good to be in first place,” Sanchez said. “When you get three or more runs under your belt early, you get a groove going, I was aggressive tonight, just pounding the zone.” “As a team we play and win together so, hopefully we stay in first place as we have many games left to play.” The Dodgers rallied early when Rafael Furcal led off with a double and scored when third baseman Juan Uribe over threw Ryan Theriot’s sacrifice bunt. But San Francisco responded quickly when Aubrey Huff tripled followed by Buster Posey’s doubled to tie the game bottom of the first frame. By the third inning the Giants had dominated the game, Edgar Renteria’s single and Freddy Sanchez doubled. Next at bat was Huff who hit a three-run homer and Posey followed with a solo home run left to give the Giants a 5-1 lead. “We made some mistakes and they didn’t miss them,” manager Joe Torre said. “Sanchez was terrific, are numbers against him haven’t been good overall.” “They’re on a roll right now and we couldn’t stop them.” The Dodgers only other run came in the fifth frame when Jose Guillen hit a solo home run. Dodgers pitcher Ted Lilly was relieved with two on base and an out in the fourth inning after hitting J. Sanchez on his hand who had squared to bunt. But before the inning was over, relief pitcher Ramon Troncoso walked in the Giants sixth run after Lilly loaded the bases. San Francisco continued to soar in the eight inning when F. Sanchez hit a two-run double. At that point there was nothing left for the Dodgers to do but accept defeat as the Giants climbed their way back to first place. “It’s a good feeling but we have a lot of baseball left,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “The race is so tight right now I don’t think we should get concerned with were we stand as much as doing what we’re suppose to do and that’s winning ball games.” Written by: Malaika Bobino