Yeah, I suppose that’s corny, but there’s really no other word to describe him. He completely dominated the Cardinals last night, staying perfect until the fifth inning and remaining near perfect for the rest of the game. Other than a double to Pujols -- who tends to get his no matter who’s pitching -- no one could do a thing against the guy. The Cardinals didn’t even make him work, as he threw 95 pitches in a complete game.
Not that this was anything new. Over his last four starts he’s 3-1 (three complete games) with a 1.03 ERA and a K/BB ratio of 37-3. Dude won the Cy Young last year. Though 16 starts in 2008 he was 8-1 with a 2.54 ERA and K/BB ratio of 103-40. Through 16 starts this year he’s 8-2 with a 2.37 ERA and a K/BB ratio of 132-28. Anyone doubt that he’s going to win the Cy Young again?
With nasty stuff like that Lincecum could be excused for being a bit cocky. Not that he’s the least bit cocky. Here he is after yesterday’s game:
When I saw the lineup card today, I thought they’re throwing some pretty good guys out there. But then I thought, ‘I’m good. I’m here for a reason. I can get these guys out if I make my pitches the way I need to’ . . . This game can be humbling. The second you go out there thinking that you’re hot s-, then they hit four home runs off you. That’s the last thing I want to do. I’m not getting ahead of myself. I’m not thinking I’m going to shut anybody down because of what I did. It’s what I’m doing now.
And what he’s doing is shutting everybody down.