Keith's Sports Journal: Foul Ball: Lincecum Dominates & Another Bizarre Injury

San Francisco 2 NY Mets 0: Tim Lincecum pitched a brilliant performance to open up the second half of the season for the Giants. Lincecum pitched a complete game shutout giving up six hits, one walk, and striking out five. Pablo Sandoval drove in a much needed run in the second inning. Hopefully that hit will give the Panda some much needed confidence in the second half.

Dontrelle Willis Update: The San Francisco Giants signed Dontrelle Willis to a Triple-A contract yesterday afternoon. Willis, who's career has been hampered by anxiety and injuries, is trying to get his career back together after rough stints in Detroit and Arizona. This move by Willis and the Giants makes sense from both perspectives. Willis is from the Bay Area, he grew up Alameda, can hopefully get comfortable pitching at home again. For the Giants, they take a low risk chance on a once great pitcher. Win, win for both sides.

Minnesota 7 Chi White Sox 8: The White Sox won their ninth game in a row in a shootout in Minnesota. The White Sox jumped out to a 4-0 by the second inning. Minnesota then scored six runs in the second inning to take the 6-4 lead only to blow the two run lead. The White Sox scored three runs in the fifth inning and extended their division lead over Minnesota to 41/2 games.

Chi Cubs 12 Philadelphia 6: Ryan Howard went deep twice, including a blast in the 1st inning but that wasn't enough to overcome three home runs by the Cubs. Jamie Moyer gave up five hits, six runs, and two home runs in only three innings of work. Aramis Ramirez, Derek Lee, and Geovany Soto each homered against the Phillies in a rout.

Boston 2 Texas 7: When Bengie Molina homers off of one of your pitchers, you're going to have a bad night. Molina blasted a two-run home run in a six-run first inning. Nelson Cruz knocked in three runs and Josh Hamilton also knocked in a run to go along with his three doubles. Tommy Hunter picked up the victory going 6 2/3 innings giving up five hits, two runs, and striking out one.

St. Louis 7 LA Dodgers 1: Chris Carpenter pitched eight innings giving up four hits, one run, one home run, and striking out six. The Dodgers fielding on Thursday night didn't exactly help Clayton Kershaw by committing two errors. Six different Cardinals players drove in a run including two RBIs from Allen Craig.

Bizarre Injury Update: I've talked about bizarre injuries in baseball before, but this injury might take the cake. San Diego pitcher Matt Latos has been placed on the 15-day DL with a strained left side. Latos strained his left side by holding back a sneeze. You can't make this stuff up. Also this is another reason why you can't take baseball players too seriously. These guys think shaving cream pies are funny and they're always hurting themselves in bizarre ways. I'm looking at you Glenallen Hill.

Picture of the Night: At least he's not taking a fly ball of his crotch.