They did it again

In the words of the wise and agile Giants right fielder Hunter Pence: "Yes, Yes, Yes!" It wasn't easy and at times it wasn't pretty, but the underdogs did it again. In another even number year, the Orange and Black are heading to the National League Championship Series. On a balmy San Francisco evening, the home team sent the favored Washington Nationals packing with a 3-2 thriller that for Giants fans equaled torture.  If you want to know exactly how they did it,  put away the statistics and season record books.  Giants'  President Larry Bauer said it best: "It's all about heart." Nobody showed more heart than 37 year old Ryan Vogelsong who had a no hitter going into the 5th with  pitches up to 95 mph. The Nationals did connect for two hits and one run but Vogey left the game with a 2-1 lead in the 6th. A lead protected by an amazing catch from Pence who was pinned against the right field fence  to rob Jason Werth of an extra base hit.

The Giants scored the old fashion way and took that early lead in the second inning. Brandon Crawford singled, then Juan Perez followed with a soft hit that was fumbled by starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez. Vogelsong then helping his own cause put down a perfect bunt to load the bases. Gregor Blanco took the walk and the Giants were up 1-0.  Rookie second baseman Joe Panik contributed with an RBI ground out to score Perez and go up  2-0. The Nats did tie it in the seventh with a splash hit from Washington's superstar Bryce Harper off his new favorite reliever Hunter Strickland.  Make that two long bombs in the series for Harper off Strickland.  But as Karma would have it a wild pitch was also the difference in game four. With the score tied at 2, the Giants rallied with back to back  hits, first Panic, then Buster Posey.  Pence walked and once again the bases are loaded. Rookie Aaron Barett's pitch to Pablo Sandoval skips to the backstop and Panik scores. A second wild pitch follows but Posey is called out at the plate. Superb pitching by Sergio Romo in the 8th and closer Santiago Casilla showed off that heart and Bruce Bochy's undefeated playoff record as the Giants' skipper stays alive. They're going to St. Louis.  Oh yes, they are underdogs once again.