Pike’s Hunter Strickland pitches in World Series game

Courtesy of The Press Democrat:As the Giants roared through the National League playoffs, at least one of them struggled mightily. Hunter Strickland, the young relief pitcher, gave up four home runs in 41/3 innings against the Nationals and Cardinals, becoming the guy manager Bruce Bochy just couldn’t afford to send to the mound in a pressure situation.Tuesday’s ninth inning was not a pressure situation, with the Giants up 7-1 over the Kansas City Royals, but it was the World Series, and Strickland was back in action on the biggest stage.He came through with flying colors, striking out two in a one-two-three frame.’It’s huge,’ Strickland said. ‘Showing the confidence in me, that’s an honor. I appreciate that. And I was excited to get back out there, especially in Game 1 of the World Series.’Strickland said he felt no rust despite not having pitched since Oct. 12. He was gratified not just that he got the outs, but that one was against Kansas City’s Eric Hosmer, a left-hander who has been one of his team’s hottest hitters.’It’s awesome, especially after giving up a couple homers to lefties earlier this postseason,’ Strickland said.Bochy likes him because the kid throws heat ‘” Strickland struck out Lorenzo Cain on fastballs of 97, 97 and 98 mph. But his final strike of the game, to Billy Butler? A curveball.