PHOENIX — As the scene unfolded, it seemed incomprehensible. Even manager Bruce Bochy’s staunchest and blindest supporters had to wonder what he was doing in the 10th inning Friday night. It seemed indefensible.
Hours after telling reporters he would use different relievers to close, in light of another Santiago Casilla failure the game before, Bochy asked Casilla to save a one-run victory and left him on the mound even as the pitcher’s personal tormentor, Jake Lamb, was sent to pinch-hit.
Surprising nobody, Lamb hit his fourth career homer and third in three at-bats this year against Casilla to tie the game, Casilla’s eighth blown save, the most by a Giant since Armando Benitez in 2006.