Giants' Matt Duffy comes through when the lights shine brightest
Earlier this year Giants rookie Matt Duffy earned a starting spot at third base. On Sunday he batted in the vaunted third spot in the batting order for the first time this season. The .290 hitter is no power-hitter, yet he’s third on the Giants with 33 RBIs. This is even more impressive considering that he’s seventh on the club in at bats.
Not only does he hit and drive in runs, the San Francisco Chronicle points out that he seems to step up in big situations. He's hitting .352 with runners in scoring position, and .387 with RISP and two outs. Duffy is also hitting .625 with the bases loaded.
The right-hander doesn’t seem to shrink when he’s facing the game’s elite pitchers either. He’s 4 for 12 against reigning National League MVP and Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw. Last week he went 2 for 3 against former American League Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez.
Per the Chronicle, Duffy’s confidence is evident in his reaction to the success he’s enjoyed against these pitchers:
“People expect you not to succeed against guys like that,” Duffy said. “While I am not as well known as they are, I feel I’m pretty good. They are very good. My approach is, ‘Let’s see what happens. I’m going to give you my best at-bat.’”
(h/t San Francisco Chronicle)
Photo credit: Bob Stanton/USA TODAY Sports
