Lowry Mr. Perfect

SBC Park
September 22, 2004

Giants rookie pitcher Noah Lowry remained perfect on the year with his sixth victory (second complete game) and the Giants continued their hot hitting as they downed the Houston Astros in the second game of a three-game set 5 - 1. After Brett Tomko came within one out of a complete game, Noah Lowry was able to finish the deal, allowing only one run and five hits.

LF Barry Bonds hit a triple in his first at-bat, but would not swing the ball at all after that. Astros Manager Phil Garner used the four-finger salute often, walking Bonds intentionally four times. The move did not deter the rest of the Giants. Ray Durham led the attack by going three for four with two RBI in the leadoff spot. His hustle play on an error by Astros SS Jose Vizcaino helped him score a run as well.

The Chicago Cubs kept pace with the Giants, winning in Pittsburgh 1 - 0 to stay a half game behind the Giants in the NL Wild Card Race. Los Angeles, meanwhile, lost in San Diego 4 - 0, and their lead in the NL West is now a miniscule 1/2 game ahead of the Giants, with a showdown between the two rivals looming on the horizon.