The Giants’ ninth-inning collapse to the Chicago Cubs in Game 4 of the NLDS was as painful an end to the season as most fans could’ve imagined. Because of that, it’s easy to forget how dominant Giants starter Matt Moore was that evening, allowing just two hits in eight dominant innings of work, doing all he could to put San Francisco in a position to force a deciding game.
It’s tempting to wonder whether the Giants’ October would’ve ended differently if manager Bruce Bochy had allowed Moore to return to pitch the ninth inning. Moore was asked that very thing by KNBR’s Ray Woodson on SportsPhone 680, and was diplomatic in saying he understood his manager’s decision.
“It was one of those things where in the moment, I had absolutely no problem with one of the 8-9 relievers we had,” Moore said. “Those guys are very good relievers and have gotten the job done before.”
Moore also says that his Tommy John surgery, which put him on the shelf for much of the 2014 and 2015 seasons, is no longer something he worries about.
“There was really no thought in my mind of where my arm was at,” Moore said. “I really did trust that every day I showed up, I was going to be able to get ready for the day and my arm would be there.”
After such an impressive end to the 2016 season, Giants fans could be looking at a big year from Moore in 2017.
Listen to the full interview below.
