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| Rolen's error in the top of the 10th gave the Giants life. (Getty Images) |
CINCINNATI -- Over the course of 17 seasons, 5,745 regular-season fielding chances, Scott Rolen has developed the reputation of one of the best fielding third basemen of all time. Not only does he have the reputation, he has 10 Gold Gloves on his mantle as symbols of his greatness.
So with two on and two out in the top of the 10th inning, there are few players Reds manager Dusty Baker would rather have Joaquin Arias hit the ball to than Rolen. Arias obliged, hitting a chopper to third, which Rolen cut off and then … bobbled. He recovered in time to make a throw to first, but not in time to get the runner or preserve the tie game.
Instead, Buster Posey scored from third, keeping the Giants' 2012 season alive for at least one more game, as Sergio Romo worked his second inning of relief for a 2-1 Giants victory to force a Game 4 at Great American Ball Park on Wednesday.
And it wasn't just Rolen's defense that let Baker, Jonathan Broxton and the Reds down, it was also catcher Ryan Hanigan, one of the game's best defenders behind the plate whose passed ball moved the runners from first and second to second and third with two outs.
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The Giants, who couldn't muster more than a single hit off of starter Homer Bailey, got two in the 10th off the former Dodgers and Royals closer. Posey led off the inning with a single to right and Hunter Pence followed with another to left. Broxton rebounded to strike out Brandon Belt and Xavier Nady, but the passed ball and Arias' hit gave San Francisco another day of life.
With the Reds uncertain who will be able to pitch Game 4, be it the injured Johnny Cueto or right-hander Mat Latos on short rest, the advantage -- no matter the home field -- doesn't seem as pronounced as it did 10 innings prior to Arias' bouncer.
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