Giants walk off Colorado behind some beer guy

Sometimes you just gotta grind. Pitchers, fielders, hitters, the dude with the Tully's tank on his back (we'd prefer Peet's, but whatever); all just have to suck it up.

After two straight nights where AT&T Park played uncharacteristically small, runs on Saturday were harder to come by than "Hamilton" tickets. But in the end the Giants persevered, with Matt Duffy's double walking off Colorado 2-1 in 13 innings.

Our Hero.

The fans got their money's worth on this one. Despite the notable lack of runs there were 19 total hits in a contest that took 4 hours and 20 minutes off the clock before someone remembered the Warriors game was imminent and provided a merciful yet satisfying conclusion.

Rockies starter Jon Gray has been a reservoir of unrealized potential but had it going against San Francisco, totally shutting the offense down. Johnny Cueto, his opposite number, frustrated Colorado by employing a bend-but-don't-break philosophy.

As a result, hitters on both sides got zip.

Gray went seven, allowing just one hit before giving wanting parade of relief arms. Cueto pitched into the ninth, scattering eight hits. And the hitters, they got nothing through nine.

All apologies to home run derby, a pitchers' duel is where it's at for edge-of-your-seat drama. This one went overtime, treading into extra frames as a scoreless duel, Someone watching scores on a TV crawl could be forgiving if they mistook the updates for a hockey score.

Double plays, strikeouts and a timely pick-off were Cueto's arsenal against a Rockies attack that had trashed the Giants for 21 runs over the previous two games. He whiffed just three but they came at opportune moments, and he walked just one. The defense played flawlessly, something of a rarity these days, meaning Colorado had to earn it's chances.

Really, our hero. Getty Images)

And in the 10th, the Rockies did exactly that. Denard Span made an ill-advised dive at DJ LaMahieu's drive off of Cory Grearrin, San Francisco's third hurler of the game. When the rolling and running was done, Tony Wolters lashed a one-out double and the deadlock had finally been broken.

Now this is here you decide if you'r a glass half-empty or half-full person. The pessimist wonders how you can expect to rally when you've been shackled all day. The optimist figures shutouts are rare (unless you're the Padres) and ya gotta break through.

Chalk one up for the half-full crowd, courtesy The Brandons. The Giants got even, and in similar fashion.

Rockies closer Jake McGee surrendered a triple to Brandon Belt to set the stage. One out later it was the Crawford half of the set clutching up, stroking a single back up the middle to re-establish the knot.

It stayed that way until the 13th, and Colorado had something going when Nolan Arrenado walked and Gerardo Parra bounced a Javy Lopez sling ball up the middle. Joe Panik snared it with a stellar dive but his hook-shot throw to second was too late, and Colorado had two on with two.

Panik makes a circus play but doesn't get he out call; haven't we seen this movie? The Giants challenged the call and replay showed that Arrenado, the bane of San Francisco's existence, was about three inches slower than first thought. Sayonara, Nolan. We go to the bottom of thee frame still tied.

Not for long. Rockies reliever Justin Miller, hero of the 2008 College World Series, probably wished he was back at Fresno State. He came on with one out and promptly issued walks to Conor Gillaspie and Span. Panik had a chance to be both the defensive and offensive standard bearer but struck out.

Belt heads for dugout, mission having been accomplished. (Getty Images)

No problem for the Duff Man. Matt Duffy ripped a liner to left. Parra spun like a top under the twisting drive but couldn't beat it to the wall, and Gillaspie carried home the game-winner.

Comically, the Giants were out-hit 12-7 and it was Duffy and Crawford doing the lion's share of the work with two two hits each. Seven Giants pitchers were needed and the Rockies had their chances against them, but went 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

San Francisco moves to 17-15 and stays a game ahead of Los Angeles, which kept pace with a 6-2 win over Toronto. The Rockies fall two games in arrears.

Despite losing game one in embarrassing fashion, the Giants have a chance at full redemption and can claim victory in the four-game set with a win on Sunday. Jeff Samardzija (4-1, 3.32 ERA) has won three straight starts for the first time in his career and will try to make it four against Colorado's Eddie Butler (0-1, 6.75), unbeaten in his two outings against San Francisco.

The Giants continue to toil shorthanded. Angel Pagan's status remains uncertain as his three-day hamstring strain has now lasted a week with no end in sight. For now, Gregor Blanco and Mac Williamson continue to platoon in left. The pen may get some help soon with George Kontos expected to make his first rehab appearance Sunday for AAA Sacramento. For now, Alberto Suarez joins a Major League pen for the first time, replacing Vin Mazzarro; designated for assignment as his ERA approached infinity thanks to his role in Thursday's debacle.

And Jake Peavy still has a job. go figure.

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