SAN FRANCISCO — The Washington Senators rode the arm of rookie Andy Pettitte to a commanding 4–0 win over the San Francisco Giants in Game 1 of the United League Championship Series at Candlestick Park.
In just his second postseason start, the 23-year-old left-hander delivered a gem on the road—tossing 8.1 shutout innings, allowing just five hits and striking out seven to silence a sold-out San Francisco crowd of 58,684.
It was an emphatic statement from a Washington team that’s now won four of five to start its postseason run.
“Good pitching, clutch hitting,” said Washington manager. “I can’t complain.”
Senators Jump Ahead Early
Washington wasted no time setting the tone. Carl Everett led off the game with a solo home run to right, sending a jolt through the Giants faithful. Two innings later, Everett tripled and came around on an Alex Rodriguez sacrifice fly, stretching the lead to 2–0.
In the fifth, it was Mike Stanley’s turn. The veteran catcher continued his October surge with a solo shot—his second of the playoffs—pushing the lead to 3–0. Then, in the eighth, Rodriguez provided the exclamation point, drilling his third home run of the postseason, a two-out solo blast to left off Bob Sebra.
Rodriguez and Everett each drove in a pair, while Stanley’s homer added to his growing reputation as a clutch playoff bat.
Pettitte Matures on the Big Stage
The Senators asked a lot of their young lefty, and Pettitte didn’t flinch. He retired 13 of the final 16 batters he faced and outdueled veteran Bob Sebra pitch-for-pitch.
Pettitte’s fastball command and sharp breaking stuff frustrated San Francisco’s biggest bats. He navigated around doubles from Jay Bell and Rondell White, inducing double plays and weak contact in big spots.
By the time Greg McMichael came in to record the final two outs, the game had long been in Washington’s control.
Giants’ Bats Fall Silent
San Francisco entered the series averaging over five runs per game in the postseason but couldn’t string anything together against Pettitte. The top five hitters in their lineup—DeShields, White, Alou, Canseco, Baerga—combined to go 2-for-18 with six strikeouts and no extra-base hits.
Despite a solid outing from Sebra (8 IP, 4 ER, 11 K), the Giants’ inability to generate any momentum offensively left little margin for error.
“You tip your cap,” said Giants manager. “Their guy threw a hell of a game. We’ll bounce back.”
Looking Ahead
Game 2 is set for tomorrow night at Candlestick Park. The Senators will send Erik Hanson to the mound, while the Giants counter with Floyd Youmans, as San Francisco looks to even the series.
Box Score Highlights
Washington Senators
- HRs: Carl Everett (3), Alex Rodriguez (3), Mike Stanley (2)
- RBI: Rodriguez (2), Everett (1), Stanley (1)
- Pitching: Andy Pettitte – 8.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 7 K
San Francisco Giants
- Hits: Five total, all singles and doubles
- Top Performer: Jay Bell – 1-for-3, 2B
- Pitching: Bob Sebra – 8 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 11 K
Player of the Game: Andy Pettitte – 8.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 7 K, 110 pitches
Series Update: Senators lead series 1–0. Game 2 scheduled for October 7 at Candlestick Park.