Randy Johnson Gives Up 3-Run HR to Pitcher, Lasts Just Four Innings

What’s the deal with opposing pitchers getting big hits in the first two Giants games?  Yesterday it was Lincecum giving up a two-out, run-scoring double to Jeff Suppan.  Tonight – on Randy Johnson’s [Giants] debut – he surrendered an absolute bomb to opposing pitcher Gallardo.  The three-run shot was a no-doubter that came with two outs in the top of the fourth, and that’s how shortly the Big Unit lasted.

Otherwise his line looked fine.  Seven strikeouts in four innings of work, with four hits and one walk.  But a disappointing outing.  And I would imagine sort of embarrassing to a competitor like Johnson.

All I know is that if I were in the dugout I’d try to get as far away from Johnson as possible when he exits the field after a bad outing.  I don’t think you want to be the guy that offers any “it’s ok man – next time” type of feedback or make any observations about his mechanics on the pitch he hung to the pitcher.  Or ask him if that was the two seamer or the straight fastball.  Or say anything about how the wind is blowing out.  You just want to sit there, look at the field, and avoid contact at all costs.

It’s hard to imagine that the Giants are going to be able to hang around in this game tonight, going to the bullpen this early again.

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