SAN DIEGOSpeak softly and carry a big stick?
Yeah, Buster Posey can handle that. He had no other choiceFriday night, when he absorbed a ball to the larynx, stayed in the game, rappedout his second extra-base hit of the night and widened his lead in the NL battingrace in the Giants 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres.
After the game, Poseys voice sounded like he swallowed aSwiss army knife.
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Im good, he croaked, and nodded when asked if he wouldplay Saturday.
The play in the second inning was scary for all involved.Ryan Vogelsong bounced a curveballreplays showed it actually hit EverthCabreras footand the ball ricocheted up. Posey had tilted his head backslightly, leaving his throat exposed. The ball caught him flush on the voicebox.
Vogelsong didnt see the ball hit Posey. But when he gotcloser, I could see the seam marks on his Adams apple.
Scary moment?
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I didnt really get to that point, but I know hes a toughson of a gun, Vogelsong said. Because I know if I get hit in the throat, Idbe lying on the training table. Weve got some tough guys back there, thatsfor sure.
If that wasnt enough, Posey also threw up prior to the game.He told manager Bruce Bochy that he ate something that didnt agree with him.So that made his triple to lead off the second inninghis first since 2010allthe more impressive.
It does show you how tough he is, Bochy said. He washurting, but he wanted to stay in. Well check on him tomorrow.
A check of the NL batting race:
Posey drew an intentional walk and struck out to finish 2for 4 and end the day with a .334 average. (rounded up from .33397). AndrewMcCutchen, part of a Pirates lineup that was no-hit by the Reds Homer Bailey,is at .33043.