With his handlebar mustache and double-clutch windup, rookie Daniel Mengden introduced himself to the Giants-A's rivalry in a big way Monday night, easily outpitching a woebegone Jeff Samardzija as the renewal of the series began with an 8-3 Oakland victory.
In his fourth big-league start, Mengden bulled his way to his first victory. He carried a two-hit shutout into the eighth inning and allowed two runs in 7 2/3 innings. The A’s led 8-0 before the Giants got on the board.
Mengden also benefited from a mountain of support after the A's scored just twice for him in his first three starts.