Big Wins on Both Sides of the Bay

The San Francisco Giants won their fifth straight behind strong pitching from their youngest starter Ty Blach and their second over the visiting LA Dodgers.

They've won with new and improvised lineups due to injuries but now some of the hurt players are nearly ready to come back.  The problem becomes damaging team chemistry during the best streak of the year, which may not be the worst problem to have but is a delicate one.

Improved hitting, especially the home run streaks that both Buster Posey and Brandon Belt are on has made the difference, but some of the starting pitching has been surprisingly good.  Johnny Cueuto you expect, but how about the youngest (Blach) and the oldest, Matt Cain, who beat the Dodgers the other night and is 3-1.  He just broke into the top three of Giants pitchers in history in terms of innings pitched over the years.  He's kept the faith, kept his confidence in these last rough years and the Giants stuck with him for what was likely his last chance.  Now with Bumgarner out for several more months, they need both the young and the old guys.

Meanwhile the Golden State Warriors blew out the Spurs by the largest margin they've ever recorded in the playoffs, 136-100, to extend their playoff streak to 10-0.

Klay Thompson did have a better game, though not a breakout one.  And indeed there seemed to be an attempt by the Spurs' Aldridge to undercut Kevin Durant on a shot, but without effect.  The Warriors did come out with a very strong first quarter, led by Steph Curry with 4 threes in the period alone.  Otherwise it was a big game up and down the lineup.

Andre Iguodala was out with a knee contusion but McCaw had a good game, scoring 18 with his increased minutes.  Zaza went out early with a heel contusion.  No word yet on whether they will be available for the third game, though it seems likely both will (assuming Zaza's x-rays are ok.)  Likewise it's not known if the Spurs main man Leonard whose absense was keenly felt in this game will be back when play resumes in San Antonio.