Surprise! Jaime García Comes Up Big

How well did Jaime García pitch in Game 2?

He pitched seven shutout innings Thursday night. García started 32 games during the regular season, and gave up zero runs only twice. Granted, those were both nine-inning shutouts - against the Padres in early April, Brewers in early May. But García lasted exactly seven innings in five starts during the season, and his Game 3 start marks his low in hits allowed (3) and his high in strikeouts (7). And he gave up at least one run in each of those five starts.

Does any of this prove that everyone’s wrong about García? That he doesn’t wilt under pressure?

Of course not. I never bought into any of that crap, but one excellent performance doesn’t prove anything.

Well, except that baseball is highly unpredictable. It was reasonable to think García would pitch well, even against a good team in a big spot. But if you predicted he would pitch one of his best games all year, you’re either a genius (like Tony La Russa!) or a really good guesser.

And I’m betting on the latter.