Giants come up short against Boston By Joe Cronin June 27, 2010     The pitching duel between Tim Lincecum and Jon Lester didn't come out the way most observers thought it might. The Red Sox (and Lester) dominated the Giants this afternoon. The score was 5-1, but the domination was total. Lester threw a complete game, allowing just five hits and one run, striking out nine Giants along the way. He was very strong in the final three innings, only having to throw 24 pitches. On the other hand, Lincecum was touched for 4 runs off 5 hits in just three innings. His control was suspect as well, walking four, throwing 79 pitches, only 44 of which were strikes. He matched the shortest outing of his career. '(Tim) didn't get the ball where he wanted.' Was he hurt? 'no', said Giants' manager Bruce Bochy. '(This is just) one bad outing. I'm not concerned.' And when asked, Lincecum said his arm strngth was not an issue. The Giants finished 7-8 in interleague play. Oddly, the Giants struck out 15 Red Sox. That is, 15 of 27 outs were strikeouts. It couldn't have been a better day for baseball: 76 degres with winds left to right. "Big Pappy" David Ortez received another chance, nearly strikeing out in the first. He hit next pitch into the water in right field. The distance was impressive, and it quieted the crowd. The Giats (and Lincecum) just didn't seem to have it after that. So, now comes the Dodgers. After loosing the past three series', the Giants are going to have to get their act together. Barry Zito will pitch against Chad Billingsley Monday Night. So, it is pretty much up to him. '(This is) an important stretch until the All Star break that can make or break you. We got to get the pitchers on track. (But) the bullpen was great today, ' commented Bochy. A lot of the games are on the road in July.

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