It's a fine line for the Giants. When they get solid pitching, which has been the norm of late, they're in games. When they don't, however, their offense isn't usually potent enough to keep them in games.
Consider Monday's 4-2 loss in Chicago. Jonathan Sanchez labored through a 30-pitch first inning and issued a total of six walks (one with the bases loaded), a rare blemish for a pitching staff that leads the majors in ERA since April 17.
It was too much for the Giants' offense to overcome, especially against Ryan Dempster, who stifled the Giants for seven innings, collecting seven strikeouts. Sanchez struck out six in four-plus innings, but he gave up four runs on five hits.
Sanchez left in the fifth with the bases loaded.
"We've got to get our offense going," said manager Bruce Bochy, who has said something similar many times this year.
CUBS 4, GIANTS 2: Pablo Sandoval and Bengie Molina drove in runs, but the Cubs won their fourth straight thanks to a two-run homer by Ryan Theriot in the second and seven strong innings by Ryan Dempster. The Giants fell to 2-8 on the road, a far cry from their 10-4 home record.
