Coming off six shutout innings in Los Angeles last Wednesday, Matt Cain entered Sunday's start full of confidence. With the 2012 World Series ring ceremony moments before the start of game, AT&T Park was buzzing with excitement in anticipation of their ace taking the mound. That enthusiasm did not last long as the Giants lost 14-3.
After three perfect innings and a two-run lead, Cain suffered the worst inning of his lengthy career. He allowed seven hits, two walks and nine earned runs while only recording two outs. In only one other start in Cain's career had he given up nine runs (also to Cardinals), and he matched that total in two-thirds of an inning. Jon Jay and Yadier Molina were the only two Cardinals' position players who did not get an RBI off of the Giants' righty.
Cain's start was somewhat reminiscent to Bumgarner's outing against Minnesota in 2011. Bumgarner allowed eight runs in the first inning and got only one out before being replaced. Bumgarner felt this outing on his ERA the entire season and Cain should likely expect a similar consequence.
Offensively for San Francisco, Angel Pagan and Pablo Sandoval had successful at bats. Pagan had a lead off first-inning triple to left center and an RBI double two innings later. Sandoval had a pair of singles and drove in Pagan in the third. Brandon Belt took a 1-4, and recorded his first hit of 2013. Buster Posey and Hunter Pence went a combined 1-7.
One bright spot for the Giants' pitching staff was newcomer Chad Gaudin. Gaudin, making his second appearance of the season, shutout the Cardinals for three innings while striking out four.
The San Francisco Giants will remain at home for their next series against the Colorado Rockies. Madison Bumgarner is set to take the hill on Monday night against Rockies' starter Jorge De La Rosa.
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Contact Jake Pisani at JakePisani12@yahoo.com
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