SAN DIEGO – Two losses out of the All-Star break, and the Giants still own the best record in baseball. But their bullpen has stumbled away a late lead more often than any other.
The paradox continued, and their stumble was literal Saturday night. Closer Santiago Casilla failed to retire a batter or protect a one-run lead in the 10th inning, and he balked in the winning run when he tripped while attempting to deliver a pitch as the Giants lost 7-6 to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
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“I think I did everything right, and my mechanics were fine,” said Casilla through interpreter Erwin Higueros, after the right-hander allowed three singles and then caught a spike that allowed Derek Norris to score.