NL Beast

May 1st certainly beats September 27th.

Once again, Adam Eaton pitches well and doesn’t get a decision! An oddity at this point in the season, but a win is a win, regardless of who is credited with the W (Tom Gordon, 3-2). Eaton pitched 6.0 innings, allowing 5 hits and only two runs on a first inning Adrian Gonzalez homer.

Ryan Howard gets the player of the game (yes, you read that correctly). Howard went 2-4, hitting an RBI double in the 3rd, and then being knocked in from second by Pat Burrell. In the bottom of the 8th, Howard crushed the game winning homer to right off of Joe Thatcher for San Diego. Howard may very well be coming out of the slump. Consider this: Howard’s first strike out in the series didn’t come until tonight. He looks patient, reserved and relaxed at the plate. He has a ways to go before I’ll consider him “back,” but this whole series was progress. Step one for Howard, get over .200 for the year.

Giants at home this weekend. I’ll try to post a preview tomorrow, but I’ll be out of town all weekend.

As for now, enjoy first place.