Game #6: San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (04/09/2016)

With Friday evening’s walk-off celebration now firmly in the rear-view mirror, the San Francisco Giants would turn their attention to Saturday afternoon’s game – a contest that was set to feature two of the greatest starting pitchers in modern-day Major League Baseball.

For the Los Angeles Dodgers, three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw would toe the rubber – for the San Francisco Giants, it would be 2014 World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner.

And after a slight rain delay pushed the game to 1:45 PM Pacific Standard Time, the two aces were more than ready to lead their troops into battle.

In the first inning, the Dodgers mustered three base-runners (one on a double, one on a walk, and one on an error), whereas the Giants tallied two base-runners (one on a single and one on a walk).

Although these base-runners created an interesting suggestion of instant action, neither team would be able to score.

As the game progressed, however, this highly anticipated pitching duel would make way for a large number of impressive swings of the bat.

In the bottom of the second, Madison Bumgarner would connect on a deep home run to left field, leaving Clayton Kershaw shaking his head, and an exuberant Giants’ fan base, ecstatic.

Nevertheless, San Francisco’s early 1-0 lead was erased in the top of the third, as Madison Bumgarner loaded up the bases once more, and ‘beaned’ Dodger outfielder Scott Van Slyke on the elbow, allowing Enrique Hernandez to trot home untouched.

Later, after both pitchers had undoubtedly settled into their natural rhythms, Clayton Kershaw allowed yet another unlikely home run – this time, to Giants’ reserve infielder Ehire Adrianza.

With Adrianza’s line shot landing just inside of the left field foul pole, San Francisco had tallied two home runs against Clayton Kershaw in a single game for the first time ever – yet more importantly, they now led by the score of 2-1.

In the top of the seventh inning, San Francisco starter Madison Bumgarner would depart, leaving the game with a line of 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 Ks, and 102 pitches thrown. 

Meanwhile, Los Angeles starter Clayton Kershaw would throw eight strong innings, finally exiting with a line of 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 Ks, and 91 pitches thrown.

It was now the top of the ninth inning.

San Francisco closer Santiago Casilla was set to enter the ballgame, with thoughts of wrapping up an early series victory for a hard-working and highly-talented 2016 Giants’ roster.

Time elapsed -- the bases were loaded with one out – the Giants still leading the game by the slim margin of 2-1.

Then, Los Angeles first baseman Adrian Gonzalez chopped a ball towards Giants’ second baseman Kelby Tomlinson – it was going to be a double play, the Giants were going to win again . . . 

But Tomlinson fumbled the ball, recovering just in time to throw Gonzalez out at first base, while allowing the tying run to score in the process.

And after leaving Buster Posey stranded on second base in the bottom of the ninth inning, this afternoon’s game would follow its predecessor in proceeding into extra innings.

In the tenth frame, San Francisco reliever George Kontos would allow back-to-back doubles off of the bats of Corey Seager and Charlie Culberson, and the Dodgers would take an improbable 3-2 advantage.

And with Los Angeles closer Kenley Jansen atop the mound in the bottom half of the tenth inning, Brandon Crawford popped up, Ehire Adrianza struck out, and Denard Span grounded out – the Los Angeles Dodgers had somehow managed to win the game.

The Giants will look to avenge today’s loss and win the four-game series tomorrow afternoon with newly-acquired ace Johnny Cueto on the hill.

FINAL SCORE: Dodgers 3, Giants 2.