APBochy and Braun engaged in a brief discussion and the Giants’ manager turned and began walking back to the dugout when he was tossed. Bochy then came back out to argue further. It marked the fourth time this season and the 37th time in his managerial career that Bochy has been ejected.
“It’s frustration and it just builds up. When you’re going against a guy like Sabathia, you know you’re not in a position to give up any runs, so that probably caused a lot of the frustration — knowing you’re in for a battle and you don’t want to give up any cheap runs,” Bochy said.
Cain saw his winless stretch reach three starts with his second straight loss, and the Giants’ major league-worst home record fell to 17-29. They have just four victories in their last 16 home games.
Cain, one of three Giants’ starters with 100 or more strikeouts at the All-Star break, recorded his 500th strikeout when he fanned Russell Branyan to end the fifth. Cain also matched his season high with five walks, one intentional.
Both San Francisco second baseman Ray Durham and first baseman Rich Aurilia were late scratches after arriving to the ballpark with the flu bug that’s been going through the Giants clubhouse. Ivan Ochoa replaced Durham and John Bowker was in for Aurilia.
“We have some pretty bad crud going around right now,” Bochy said.
Notes: Sabathia left 95 tickets for friends and family. ... Giants RHP Merkin Valdez (strained elbow) was examined by Dr. James Andrews over the All-Star break and nothing was found to be wrong structurally. Bochy hopes he can begin throwing again sometime in the next week. ... Yost plans a platoon approach in his rotation. RHP Seth McClung will start in road games and RHP David Bush at home. That means McClung will pitch Monday in St. Louis. “I don’t think this is anything new or spectacular,” Yost said. “It’s been done over the ages.” ... On Sept. 6, the Giants will dedicate a 9-foot bronze statue in honor of Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda — part of the club’s celebration of its 50th anniversary in San Francisco. ... The Giants drew 40,882 for their ninth sellout.
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