Huff vs. Hunter

Last night, Aubrey Huff deposited a first pitch cutter from Tommy Hunter into the right field seats for a two-run HR.  It was all the offense the Giants would need to win the game.  In the regular season, Huff was one of the best cut fastball hitters in the league.

Top 2010 NL Batters vs. the Cutter by wOBA (min. 50 PA)Aubrey Huff In Play SLG% vs. Cutters since 2008As noted during the broadcast last night, Hunter had to endure a nine pitch at bat from Freddy Sanchez just prior to Huff's third inning AB.

Freddy Sanchez's 3rd Inning ABMuch was made of how Huff was able to get a good look at Hunter's stuff with Sanchez fouling off pitch after pitch ahead of him.  But as you can see, Hunter pitched Sanchez fairly carefully. That AB probably did more to tire out Hunter and disrupt his rhythm.  After finally retiring Sanchez on a ground out, he then grooved the very next pitch right over the heart of the plate.  Huff did not miss it.

3rd Inning, Hunter vs. Huff