Bochy pregame on McCutchen’s professionalism, personality: ‘It’s fun to be around’ pic.twitter.com/1G8tEUHo1A
— KNBR (@KNBR) April 11, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew McCutchen has made quite the introduction to his new team. In a matter of four days, he lifted the Giants to two walk-off victories, including Tuesday night’s 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
‘Clutch’ has become a popular buzzword attached to ‘Cutch,’ whose timely hitting has quickly endeared himself to Giants fans, including his new manager.
“He’s been great, I’ll start with that,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said before Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks. “He’s been a lot of fun. I have enjoyed watching him, how he goes about his business, how he prepares for a game, how he plays the game.”
With Buster Posey and McCutchen, the Giants boast the 2012 and 2013 National League MVPS in the heart of their order. Through 10 games, McCutchen’s numbers aren’t gaudy — he is hitting .238 with one home run and six RBI— but Bochy has appreciated his knack for stepping up in the clutch.
“When you have great players, and you get to see them every day, (you) appreciate their gifts and talents even more,” Bochy said. “To see how he competes up there with the game on the line, I enjoy watching that.”
After Tuesday’s win, McCutchen downplayed his game-winning single, saying it was more ‘chill’ than last Friday’s walk-off. He wasn’t wrong. Only four days earlier, he accentuated the best statistical game of his career with a three-run homer that soared into the left field bleachers, giving the Giants a 7-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But his walk-off base hit on Tuesday night was equally as important. The win snapped a two-game losing streak, improving San Francisco’s record to 5-5 on the season.
Thus far, the McCutchen addition has paid dividends, both on and off the field.
“He is great in that clubhouse too,” Bochy said. “Guys have fun with him— outstanding personality. It’s fun to be around.”
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