POSTGAME NOTES: A classic Matt Cain start, in just about every way – Giants Extra

This is good news for the Giants. I have been reading some analysis of Cain's mechanics and the "lower arm slot" evidence is out there and it is somewhat concerning, especially when combined with diminished performance and a change in his mix of pitches. Whew....that was a mouthful. It is good to see him closer to his old self than his new self.

He may be entering the same stage that Lincecum has been struggling with for the past couple of year, changing from a higher-K power pitcher pitcher to a lower-K finesse pitcher who is not afraid to hit bats,



from Giants Extra:

POSTGAME NOTES: A classic Matt Cain start, in just about every way – Giants Extra:

"The long-time ace is cleaning up his mechanics and he showed some serious stuff Saturday — including a 94 mph fastball in the first inning. Cain threw 22 of 28 first-pitch strikes and 116 pitches in all, his highest total since September, 2012. He insisted in Los Angeles that he would stick with his approach, and it seemed he was being stubborn. But today, as Cain pounded fastballs over and over again — 63 of them in all — it was pretty clear that Cain can still be effective this way. That’s a good lineup he faced today, and without a mental mistake in the third inning, Cain probably keeps the Rockies off the board."

“He gave us a great effort,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “He just had good command of all his pitches. He worked hard early in the game but he still got in a good groove. He just threw quality strikes today.”

Cain got off to a rough start last year, too, and then he turned in a 2.36 ERA after the break — a reminder of what he’s capable of. Saturday was another reminder, and it made it a lot easier for the Giants to walk out of the park after a 1-0 loss with their heads held high.

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