August 26, 2016

Moore is Less

Matt Moore threw a one-hitter Thursday night as the Giants the Dodgers 4-0 to salvage the last game of the series. Moore was one out away from a no-hitter when Corey Seager singled on his bobblehead night. Moore’s pitch count was high:

Moore’s try ended on his 133rd pitch. It was Seager Bobblehead Night at Dodger Stadium, and a sellout crowd cheered Moore after the ball plopped onto the grass in shallow right field.

Moore was pulled immediately. Giants manager Bruce Bochy had been pacing in the dugout for a couple of innings as Moore’s pitch count climbed – he missed most of the last two seasons after Tommy John surgery.

“He was excited to have a chance at it. He was very grateful and said, `thanks, I appreciate you giving me a chance,” Bochy said. “He didn’t show any signs of frustration or disappointing end to give up a hit there. He pitched his heart out.”

The conundrum for a modern manager, pulling a pitcher when he is going for a rare feat. We will see if there is any damage down the line. Moore walked three and struck out seven, and Brandon Belt drove home the first run for the Giants in the fourth inning, and Joe Panik followed with a two run homer. That was more than enough to win the game.

2 thoughts on “Moore is Less

  1. Steve H

    Have any managers ever given a pitcher extra rest after a game like this? Seems to make sense (in the long term, at least; the Giants, in a pennant race, may value the short term more right now), but I don’t recall it happening.

    ReplyReply

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