Tuesday’s game between the New York Mets and the San Francisco Giants was incredible for the average fan.
It was a slugfest that included home runs, clutch hits, lead changes, and two very good teams giving their all.
The Giants ended up prevailing 13-12, but both teams were worthy competitors.
The Giants had one clear offensive star: outfielder Joc Pederson.
You could say it was Joctober in May… no?
Ok.
Pederson went 4-for-6 with three homers and eight RBI in the game.
He started off his excellent day with a two-run shot in the third inning, then hit another two-run blast in the fifth, and his last round-tripper tied the game in the eighth and was of the three-run variety.
He also hit an RBI single in the ninth to tie the game again.
The left-handed slugger is now hitting .255/.316/.578 with 10 homers and 22 RBI in 102 at-bats.
Pederson Put Himself In Wednesday’s Lineup
It was a truly amazing performance, one that is forcing manager Gabe Kapler‘s hand when it comes to building the lineup.
“Giants are very strict about platoons, but Joc Pederson is obviously in the lineup against a lefty starter today. ‘That was strictly self preservation on my part,’ Gabe Kapler said, smiling,” NBCS Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovic tweeted.
Giants are very strict about platoons, but Joc Pederson is obviously in the lineup against a lefty starter today. “That was strictly self preservation on my part,” Gabe Kapler said, smiling.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) May 25, 2022
Pederson hasn’t been a reliable hitter against left-handed pitchers over the course of his career.
Of course, he has mashed against righties, but lefties often give him some problems, as it is often the case on lefty-to-lefty matchups.
Kapler, however, wasn’t about to bench him after hitting three home runs last night.
For one day, the Giants are breaking their strict platoon rule.
It could be worth it, with the way Pederson is swinging the bat.
NEXT: Joc Pederson Comments On Who Helped Him Have A Record Night