Sacrifice Flys and Pitching Changes.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Fire Bochy blog team had a chance to attend the game tonight and we were thrilled by the performance of Barry Zito - apparently he heard of our call to make Lincecum the manager and figured he'd throw his hat in the ring as well. When was the last time you heard AT&T Park chant "Barry, Barry" and cheer for a curtain call for a player named Barry? Well, Zito got both, and he earned it.

We also got to see more of that small ball we've been clamoring for. A hit and run, a sacrifice fly. You'd think that someone actually was trying to win the game without waiting for the three run homer. Someone probably should Bochy to make sure he's not a pod person - these things can't be taken lightly, because the aliens are out there.

It wouldn't have been a complete experience without some sort of shenanigans pulled by Bochy. He let Zito pitch the ninth, get one out, and then pulled him when he gave up a home run to Brad Hawpe. We then got to see three relievers - to get two outs. They managed to give up two more runs and make the game interesting, but seriously? Did we need to see the entire bullpen? Zito could have gotten at least one of those two outs, given his performance to that point. Seems like this game of "how many pitchers can I use in the same inning" qualifies as the "Bochy Strategery Move of the Night" the night.

The last of the Big 3 gets his shot to pull the Giants even in the wild card race tomorrow. We'll be watching you Matt. Go get 'em.