Entering Game 1 of the Giants' Division Series against the Reds, ace Matt Cain had started three postseason games in his career and allowed the grand total of one run ... and that was unearned. Saturday night, Cain ran his no-earnies streak to 23⅔ innings with a strikeout of pinch-hitter Homer Bailey in the third inning.
But, you know, Homer Bailey's actually a pitcher. Before Bailey, Drew Stubbs had singled. After Bailey, Brandon Phillips hit a hanging curveball a long way.
Cain's troubles continued. He hit Zack Cozart with a pitch, and walked Joey Votto. That brought a visit from pitching coach Dave Righetti, while ESPN Radio's Rick Sutcliffe wondered if Cain might be joining Johnny Cueto on the Injured List.
Not to worry. Ryan Ludwick slapped Cain's third pitch to shortstop, who started an easy double play.
Still, the Reds have grabbed a two-run lead and Mat Latos is now on the hill for Cincinnati.