Vogelsong Returns, Giants Lose To Orioles In 10 Innings
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS / AP) -- Ryan Vogelsong felt nervous when he woke up. As he got into his game day routine, though, the nerves dissipated and he felt ready to go.
Vogelsong started slowly and ended strong, going six innings in his first start since May 20. He did not earn a decision as the Giants tied in the ninth only to watch the Baltimore Orioles score three times in the 10th, leading to a 5-2 setback for San Francisco.
"It's hard not to do something you love," Vogelsong said. "I missed it. I did feel a little nervous earlier. As the game got closer, it was business as usual."
Vogelsong allowed two runs on six hits, all in the first three innings. He walked three and struck out four in his first action since breaking the pinkie finger on his right hand.
"He pitched well," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "He got better as he went and settled in and gave us six solid innings. He did a great job. First time back, that's a nice effort. He gave us a chance to win the game."
Hunter Pence drove in the game-tying run in the bottom of the ninth with no outs. The Giants could not score again.
"When you don't close the deal against a good team like that, you're going to be in some trouble."
Brandon Belt had two hits, including a home run, for the Giants, who have lost five of seven. Javier Lopez (1-2) allowed all three runs in the 10th to take the loss.
"I thought with the speed we had in the outfield to get to the ball," Lopez said of Chris Davis' two-run double. "I didn't finish a pretty good pitch and that's the result."
Vogelsong was happy to get back on the mound.
"It felt great to get back out there and pitch again," Vogelsong said. "I just tried to think about the stuff I need to do to make pitches."
Vogelsong, in his first appearance since May 20, settled in afterward. After allowing six hits in the first three innings, he retired 10 of the final 12 batters he faced.
Belt hit his 13th home run of the season and second in as many days, a solo shot, with two outs, to the deepest part of the park in the sixth.
NOTES: The Giants hit home runs in successive home games for the first time since May 25-29, a three-game stretch. ... RHP Jean Machi was optioned to Triple-A Fresno to make room for Vogelsong, who was reinstated from the 60-day DL. ... Giants RHP Guillermo Moscoso will pitch out of the bullpen with Vogelsong back in the rotation. ... Giants IF Tony Abreu (left knee bursitis) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Fresno on Sunday. ... The Elias Sports Bureau reported RHP Tim Lincecum became the first Major Leaguer since Johnny Vander Meer threw back-to-back no-hitters in 1938 to surrender one hit and pitch more than six innings in his first win after throwing a no-hitter. ... Orioles IF Chris Davis became the first hitter with 40 or more home runs to appear in AT&T Park since Arizona's Mark Reynolds on Sept. 21, 2009. Before that it was Barry Bonds in 2004.
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