ICYMI: Jesse Hahn Stuns The Giants

June 24, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Jesse Hahn (45) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Just 24 hours removed from Odrisamer Despaigne‘s dazzling debut, Jesse Hahn gave the Giants fits once again. He struck out six batters in the first three innings, and ended up with eight overall through six innings.

The offense was sparked early by Will Venable, with two sacrifice hits coming with runners on second and third and one out. Alexi Amarista also came through, driving in three RBI. The offense started getting rolling last night behind some big hits, namely Yasmani Grandal‘s ground rule double. They kept it going against one of the toughest pitchers in the league, Tim Hudson. They had the leadoff baserunner on base for all six innings he started, and he was never comfortable the entire night. He came in with a 2.39 ERA, but after six earned runs came across the plate against him, it ballooned up to 2.62.

The Giants’ offense once again couldn’t get anything going, except instead of weak contact like last night they just couldn’t make any contact. Hahn’s curveball was electric, confusing the home team for six consecutive innings. His ERA rose to 2.38 but is still an elite mark to have. With his eight strikeouts he brought up his K/9 to 10.72. Hahn continues to find more ways to impress, and combined with the performance of Ales Torres, should help make their trade seem like one of the few that worked out for Byrnes.

Speaking of Torres, the newest Super Mario Brother had a shutdown inning. The rest of the bullpen was lights out as well, with Kevin Quackenbush, Dale Thayer and Blaine Boyer combined to allow exactly zero runs again. The bullpen has been as solid as it’s been all year, giving much confidence to Bud Black when he goes to them.

In the end, it was another well played game. The offense came through with timely hits, the pitching shut down the offense about as well as you can expect, and the post-Byrnes era is getting brighter and brighter. Plus, Jesse Hahn appears to be developing into a bright young pitcher, as he’s been lights out so far in his major league career. Overall, another day, another dubya, and that’s what counts.