Giants Win Second in a Row - Are They Getting on a Roll?

Huff hits a 2-run homer in the 7th

The Giants won 6-3 behind a beautiful outing by Madison Bumgarner (7 IP, 2 ER), and a couple of home runs courtesy of Sandoval and Huff. Of all the players to hit home runs in tonight's game, Sandoval and Huff were the most necessary. Sandoval needs to prove that he is actually returning to form, and he is doing so. He now has 4 home runs in his last 8 games, which is quite convincing, considering it was preceded by a month-long home run drought. Huff, too, has been slumping of late, but his home run is a promising sign. Throughout the year, the Giants have been carried by Huff and Torres, who have compiled a combined 10+ Wins Above Replacement. It is key that they continue to perform as the Giants head down the stretch.

Bumgarner is becoming the Giants' most consistent pitcher. Even in his worst outings, he gives the Giants a chance to win. He helped out his own cause, too, by hitting an RBI single.

The Giants are playing a Cardinal team that is on a 5-game skid, and they need to take advantage of that fact. Tomorrow will be a true test, though. Tim Lincecum has struggled for most of the second half, and will be facing a potent Cardinals lineup. If the Giants can't begin consistently winning behind their ace, their playoff hopes will likely not come to fruition.

The last two games have been dominant pitching performances. That's how the Giants win games. They need their rotation to dominate, and they needed it to do that on a consistent basis.

Notes:

• Buster Posey had two doubles and his hit streak is now up to seven games.
• That day of rest for Aubrey Huff might have done wonders for him: he reached base four times on Friday, including a 2-run home run. 
• Pablo Sandoval and Freddy Sanchez appear to once again be hitting, as they each went 2 for 5 on the night. 
• Running statistic: Giants' record with Guillen in starting lineup: 2-3; Runs allowed per game: 6. <-- Defense appears to be improving, but runs allowed is also largely a product of the pitcher's performance. 
• Look out for Pat Burrell tomorrow: 4 home runs in 18 career at-bats against Carpenter. 

Keys Going Forward:

• These players need to consistently hit: Huff, Torres, Sandoval, Posey, Sanchez. 
• Lincecum needs to be the ace of the staff. He needs to step up his game.