Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) – Nate Schierholtz’s two-run homer in the fourth inning proved to be the difference, as the San Francisco Giants held off the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-2, in the opener of a three-game series between these two NL West rivals.
Freddy Sanchez, Pablo Sandoval, and Buster Posey each had an RBI for the Giants, who have won six of seven.
Madison Bumgarner (3-2) lasted 5 2/3 frames, allowing two runs — one earned — on six hits to win his third straight start. He also fanned three batters and walked two. Brian Wilson picked up his 26th save of the season.
Rafael Furcal hit a solo homer for the Dodgers, who have dropped five in a row. Matt Kemp drove in the other run.
Manny Ramirez will have his second MRI on his right calf in less than a week, per Tony Jackson of ESPN Los Angeles:
“He felt a little better [Sunday],” Torre said. “But he felt it a little bit when he was out there running. We’ll just take another look and see.”
James McDonald (0-1), who was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque prior to the game, gave up four runs on nine hits in a five-inning start. He also struck out five and walked two in his first appearance of the year for Los Angeles. McDonald went 6-1 with a 4.41 earned run average in 12 starts for the Isotopes this season.