Tomko Paints Another Gem

SBC Park
September 21, 2004

It looked bad in the first inning when the Houston Astros got back to back homers from 1B Jeff Bagwell and RF Lance Berkman. However, that was all the damage and all the offense the Astros would be able to get this night, as Brett Tomko settled down and pitched another great game, going 8 2/3 innings while striking out five and allowing four hits.

The Giants struck back right away against Astros hurler Carlos Hernandez in the bottom of the first inning, scoring three runs thanks to a Pedro Feliz double and an error by Astros SS Jose Vizcaino. Pedro Feliz had the big hit of the night, hitting a double with the bases loaded and two outs to score three runs and blow the game wide open.

Carlos Hernandez didn't last long, as the Giants pounded him for four runs in only 2+ innings. Relief pitcher Brandon Duckworth didn't fare too well either, lasting only 1 1/3 innings while allowing four more runs to the Giants.

The Chicago Cubs also won today in 10 innings over the Pittsburgh Pirates 5 - 4 to remain a 1/2 game back of the Giants in the Wild Card standings. With this loss, the Houston Astros dropped two games back of the Giants. The NL West leading Los Angeles Dodgers lost 9 - 4, and the Giants have closed the gap to 1 1/2 games.