Posted on: Tuesday, April 20, 2004

Giants' Williams gets second win

By Andrew Baggarly
Special to The Advertiser

SAN FRANCISCO — Before last night's game, Giants manager Felipe Alou reasoned that the wet and cold conditions were just right for Jerome Williams.

"Tonight is a good night for a sinkerball guy," Alou said of the Waipahu High alum. "It's cold, the air is heavy, the grass is slow. A good night to pitch."

Williams isn't sure he agrees with that assessment, but something was working in his favor. Barry Bonds homered again and Williams had his best start of the season, taking a no-hitter into the fifth inning — eventually holding the Padres to a run in 6· innings — as the Giants held on for a 4-3 victory.

"I hate pitching in the rain," said Williams, who endured drizzles and temperatures in the low 50s. "It's horrible. You can't pick up your feet because it's so heavy in the mud."

Williams (2-1) had to be quick on his feet from the outset, after second baseman Ray Durham committed two errors on the first two batters of the game.

First, Durham misplayed Sean Burroughs' bouncer, which deflected off his glove for an error. Then Mark Loretta hit a grounder that appeared tailor-made for a double-play, but Durham got handcuffed by it.

"It happens," Williams said. "You've just got to get the next batters out and not pay attention to who they are."

They happened to be the heart of the Padres' order. Brian Giles hit a tapper back to the mound that Williams fielded in time to get the force out at third base. Then Phil Nevin struck out trying to check his swing and Ryan Klesko flied out.

Williams cruised from there, setting down 13 straight batters starting with Giles' grounder to the mound. Khalil Greene broke up the no-hit bid before it could become too serious, hitting a double in the fifth inning.

The Padres got their only run when Loretta singled and scored on Klesko's sacrifice fly. Williams allowed four hits, struck out four, walked two and hit a batter.

"Remember I said I was right at the corner? I'm around it now," said Williams, who endured a rough spring. "I'm more comfortable, more confident right now.'"

Said Alou: "He and (pitching coach Dave) Righetti worked on a few things. He was quicker to the plate, which helped to slow down the running game. He's been busy between starts and he's been picking it up pretty good."

Added Williams: "I had a long leg kick. I worked on shortening my step to the plate and staying on top of the ball. It helped me in the stretch."

So did Bonds, who hit his eighth home run of the season and his seventh in six games. Marquis Grissom hit a two-run homer and knocked in a run with a single for the Giants.

"I have to build on this," Williams said. "I have a tendency to start slow. I'm trying to break that pattern. Now's a perfect time for me to blossom."