March 20, 2012

D-backs 4, Giants 3

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San Francisco Giants' Gregor Blanco, right, steals second base past the tag attempt from Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Willie Bloomquist during the second inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 20, 2012 in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)A.J. Pollock smashed a walk-off home run off Wilmin Rodriguez in the 9th inning as the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the San Francisco Giants 4-3 this afternoon at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. [box score]

It was the 24-year-old’s first homer in 26 Cactus League at bats.

In his fourth start of the spring, Giants starter Barry Zito went five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and four walks. He tossed 83 pitches (51 for strikes) and struck out three.

Zito also drove in one of the Giants’ runs with a perfectly-executed suicide squeeze in the 4th inning.

Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford each had RBI singles.

Diamondbacks’ starter Trevor Bauer, a first-round draft selection (3rd overall) last June, gave up two runs on six hits, and struck out two in his three innings. He was hitting 96 mph on the radar in the second hitting.

Top Giants hitter: Cabrera (2-for-4, R)
Top Giants pitcher: Loux (1 IP, K)
Key moment of the game: Pollock’s walk-off HR.

The Giants (11-6-3) take on the Cleveland Indians (5-10) tomorrow at Goodyear Ballpark. LHP Eric Surkamp (2-1, 4.76) will make his third spring start (and fifth appearance overall). RHP Kevin Slowey (0-2, 5.63) is on the hill for the Tribe.

NOTES: OF Nate Schierholtz missed today’s game with a “forearm flexor extensor.” He’s expected to be back in the lineup tomorrow … OF Gregor Blanco, who I predicted will make the 25-man Opening Day roster in my post last Sunday, stole two more bases today. He now has a major league-leading nine steals … Leadoff hitter Angel Pagan went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. It’s not freak out time yet, folks … Posey made a “Yes, I’m ready” play behind the dish in the second inning when he fielded a Gerardo Parra bunt, turned and fired to first for the out … Despite the loss, the Giants have still won eight of their last 11 spring contests against the Diamondbacks (dating back to 2009) and have won 10 of their last 16 (.625) games overall … Manager Bruce Bochy says that 2B Freddy Sanchez (shoulder) will play catch tomorrow, take infield Thursday and then might finally play in a game on Friday … RHP Ryan Vogelsong will throw one inning in one of the Giants’ split squad games on Saturday. Pitching coach Dave Righetti wants to see Vogey at 70 pitches by the end of spring training … San Francisco will play for 15 consecutive days between now and April 5 … RHP Heath Hembree was reassigned to the Giants’ minor league camp after the game.

More pics from today’s game (courtesy Associated Press):

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Barry Zito throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 20, 2012, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

San Francisco Giants' Melky Cabrera breaks his bat as he singles against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 20, 2012 in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Gerardo Parra, right, celebrates his two-run home run with teammate Willie Bloomquist during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Trevor Bauer throws against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 20, 2012 in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Trevor Bauer throws to the San Francisco Giants during the third inning of a spring training baseball game, Tuesday, March 20, 2012 in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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