Giants 5, Pirates 2: Ryan Vogelsong Mows Down Pirates

Ryan Vogelsong just posted eight strikeouts against the Pirates. That's when you know you have a problem. Andrew McCutchen, Lyle Overbay, Brandon Wood, and Pedro "Oh-and-2" Alvarez all had two strikeouts apiece, and while Overbay at least walked twice, he also helped precipitate a horrible third inning by dropping what should have been a routine fly ball in foul territory. (He had a runner coming back to first to worry about, but an easy catch is an easy catch.)

Speaking of that - the first couple innings looked great for the Pirates, as Jeff Karstens was very efficient through two and Vogelsong looked very hittable in the bottom of the first. (The Pirates only managed one run, on a gap double by Neil Walker, but it seemed like only a matter of time.) In the third, though, there was the Overbay drop, and then an Overbay decision to throw to third instead of first on a bunt that resulted in all the runners being safe, and then a double by Aaron Rowand, and then an error by Ryan Doumit as Pablo Sandoval stole a base. Just a complete mess of an inning.

And, well, that was about it. The Pirates couldn't get anything going against the Giants bullpen. Karstens deserved better than he got from both the Pirates' offense and defense today. This game has to feel really good for Vogelsong. For the Pirates, not so much.