News
Red-hot Velez riding hitting streak
San Francisco (60-48) vs. Cincinnati (45-62), 7:15 p.m. PT
By Jason Grodsky / MLB.com
08/05/09 6:06 PM ET
HOUSTON -- Eugenio Velez is making the most of his opportunity back in the big leagues in his second stint with the Giants this season. Entering Friday's series opener with the Cincinnati Reds, Velez has hit safely in a career-best 12 straight games and manager Bruce Bochy is seeing a different approach and demeanor to the young utility player when he steps on the diamond. Compared to earlier performances with the Giants this season, Velez is more relaxed at the plate. Instead of being too aggressive, he's waiting for his pitch and setting the table at the top of the Giants' order. "He's been a catalyst and been such a boost and shot in the arm for this club," Bochy said about his leadoff hitter. The 27-year-old made the Giants' Opening Day roster, but saw limited action off the bench, playing in just 22 games and batting .194 before being optioned to Triple-A Fresno on May 23. Since being recalled from Fresno on July 27, the switch-hitter has gone 18-for-43 with eight runs, three doubles, a home run and eight RBIs. His 12-game hitting streak is the second-longest by a Giants player this season, passing Pablo Sandoval and Travis Ishikawa, who had 10-game streaks, and trailing only Aaron Rowand's streak of 17 games. "He's got big hits with men on base and has played pretty well at second base and left field," Bochy said. "He's been just just what this club has needed. I'm proud of Geno for the way he's come up here and played well after being down at Fresno." Pitching matchupSF: RHP Tim Lincecum (12-3, 2.18 ERA)
Lincecum held the Philadelphia Phillies scoreless in eight innings Saturday for his second straight win. He struck out eight and has now whiffed at least that amount in 10 consecutive outings. The right-hander secured his 12th win of the season, tied for the most in the National League. Lincecum has never faced the Reds. CIN: RHP Homer Bailey (2-3, 7.06 ERA)
Bailey was breezing through his start Saturday against the Rockies before he ran into problems in the fourth inning. After he had thrown just 38 pitches through three innings, he threw 37 in the fourth and gave up three runs to the Rockies. Bailey never recovered and allowed runs in the fifth and the sixth before exiting with one out in the sixth. Bailey gave up five runs and seven hits while striking out four batters in the loss. He'll look to get back on the winning track against the Giants. Tidbits
After tossing a scoreless inning Tuesday, right-hander Justin Miller has not allowed a run in his last six innings over his last five appearances. ... Infielder Rich Aurilia went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs on Tuesday at Class A San Jose in his fifth rehab game recovering from a right big toe infection. Tickets
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• Saturday: Giants (Barry Zito, 7-10, 4.47) vs. Reds (Bronson Arroyo, 10-10, 5.10), 1:05 p.m. PT
• Sunday: Giants (Matt Cain, 12-3, 2.25) vs. Reds (Aaron Harang, 5-13, 4.52), 1:05 p.m. PT
• Monday: Giants (Jonathan Sanchez, 5-9, 4.49) vs. Dodgers (TBD), 7:15 p.m. PT
Jason Grodsky is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
