The Giants currently sit half a game back from the Dodgers in the NL West. Before the game yesterday, they were half a game ahead. It’s hard to keep track, day to day, of who’s in the lead. The next three days give both teams the opportunity to change that, at least for a couple of days.
The Giants/Dodgers series is crucial to both teams. It provides the opportunity for the Dodgers to forge ahead 3.5 games, or fall behind 2.5 games. For the Giants, it could mean regaining control of first place in the division. No matter what, someone will come ahead.
This is the first of three series between these teams before the end of the regular season, and in no means determines who will win the division. For the Dodgers, wins mean widening the gap between first and second place; breathing room. For the Giants, wins mean that they’re capable of taking the division without Melky Cabrera.
The Giants are still trying to cope with the loss of left fielder Melky Cabrera after a 50 game suspension for the use of PEDs. Losing Cabrera puts pressure on the rest of the team to perform well behind the plate. Buster Posey and Brandon Belt have been hot as of late, but will that be enough?
The Giants are good at working together. When one person struggles, another succeeds. That’s what’s gotten them within striking distance of first place this far along in the season. Their offense is sluggish, which has come to be expected from this organization in the past several years. They’ve had to deal with losing Pablo to injury twice this season. Even the pitching has come with faults, losing their closer early on and watching Tim Lincecum struggle all season. Still, they’ve banded together with one common goal: to win.
The rivalry between these teams, and these fans, is intense. It always has been, and it always will be. With the division up for grabs, these games mean so much more. I’m hopeful that the Giants can do what they do best and come together to win. To me, Brandon Belt said it best. “The Dodgers aren’t going away. But one thing we can promise: No group of 25 guys, and no staff of coaches, will battle harder or smarter than we will.” And battle they will.
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