Veterans play key role for Giants against Phils

Monday, April 26

SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants defeated the Phormidable Phillies on Monday night because their veterans contributed handsomely.

I could have written that the veterans “stepped up,” but I was taught long ago to avoid cliches. Either way, you know what I mean.

Mark DeRosa’s two-run single in the first inning started everything. Aubrey Huff added a key RBI single in the sixth inning.

Guillermo Mota recorded his ninth consecutive scoreless outing, but it was by far the most important one of the bunch. Jeremy Affeldt, having regained his curveball, used it to strike out Ben Francisco in the seventh inning and escape a bases-loaded jam.

Virtually everybody who played contributed in some way for the Giants. But against opponents such as the Phillies, proven champions who are capable of overcoming any deficit, a team needs its most reliable performers to provide stability and the winning edge. It needs its veterans. The Giants provided a reminder of that in the opener of a series which should be a compelling one.

– Chris Haft