http://0rz.tw/1h1cd DeRosa thrilled to contribute in walk-off win Surkamp pitches six solid innings in Major League debut By Chris Haft / MLB.com | 8/28/2011 2:19 AM ET SAN FRANCISCO -- Despite being at opposite stages in their respective careers, Mark DeRosa and Eric Surkamp derived similar satisfaction from the Giants' 2-1, 10-inning victory Saturday night. DeRosa, playing in his 1,086th Major League game, savored the feeling of making an impact for the Giants after singling and scoring the winning run in the 10th on Jeff Keppinger's two-out single. Surkamp, making his Major League debut, didn't earn the decision but was deeply involved in the outcome by limiting the Astros to their lone run and six hits in six innings. This was an essential triumph for the Giants, as they all are at this juncture of the season. They needed to keep pace with National League West-leading Arizona, which also won and thereby retained its three-game edge on San Francisco in the division standings. Asked if winning in such dramatic fashion will spark the Giants' momentum, Keppinger said, "Only time will tell. We have to see how we bounce back the next couple of games. We're struggling offensively, so to come up with the big hit late in the game, it's a good feeling." No Giant probably felt better than DeRosa, whose ailing left wrist has limited him to 54 games since the start of last season. Though the condition of his wrist has robbed him of the power that enabled him to hit 44 homers in 2008-09, he maintains a Major Leaguer's aptitude for hitting, which he proved by delivering his sharp 10th-inning hit off right-hander Fernando Rodriguez (2-3) with one out and the score tied. DeRosa then stole second base, which was his first theft since June 25, 2009, at Pittsburgh as a member of the Cleveland Indians. He related that he never received a steal sign, though first-base coach Roberto Kelly encouraged him to take off by whispering something about Rodriguez's pitch-release time and adding, "I think you can go." Mike Fontenot, who doubled and scored in the first inning, struck out. That left matters up to Keppinger, whom the Giants acquired from Houston on July 19. He lined a 2-2 pitch directly over the head of 5-foot-7 second baseman Jose Altuve, who leaped but couldn't reach the ball. DeRosa rounded third -- touching the bag, as slow-motion television replays proved, thus silencing some skeptics -- and slid home safely. While being frequently sidelined, DeRosa has remained a respected figure in the Giants' clubhouse. But nothing compares with making a difference on the field. "I definitely understand that my role on the team has changed dramatically since I first signed here, for reasons none of us can control," DeRosa said. "I just want to be a sounding board for some guys, to be a quality at-bat off the bench. They've stuck with me, which I'm proud of, and given me an opportunity to come back and be a part." Keppinger, whose double drove in both Giants runs in their victory Friday night, maintained his wizardry against his former team. Said Rodriguez, "I stayed aggressive with him and went with my fastball and hit my spot where I could get him to chase, get him to strike out or pop it up. He ended up getting it just over Altuve's glove slow enough to where it's not getting to the right fielder. I tip my hat to him. He's one of those guys you have to battle and hope he makes the mistake." Keppinger had no intention of lapsing. "You can't get a hit if you don't put the ball in play. So that's all I'm trying to do -- trying not to get beat by the fastball and trying to stay back just long enough to maybe punch something out there on an offspeed pitch," he said. "He gave me the fastball out over the plate, so that's a pretty good pitch for me to handle." Surkamp, whose contract was purchased from Double-A Richmond, initially couldn't handle the pressure of appearing on a big league stage. He flung his second pitch to the backstop. "I was a little anxious," the 24-year-old left-hander said. "I couldn't feel my legs or anything." With his parents, John and Maureen, and his sister, Allison, among the spectators, Surkamp quickly calmed himself, though he experienced an adventurous evening. He allowed the Astros to move at least one runner into scoring position in each of his innings. But he commanded his mixture of sinkers, curveballs and fastballs enough to hold Houston to one hit in 10 at-bats with runners in scoring position. "It was awesome," Surkamp said of his debut. "You dream of it your whole life, and for it to finally come true is amazing." Surkamp was realistic as well as euphoric. "There's definitely a ton of room for improvement," he said, scolding himself for the three walks he issued and his inability to master his changeup. Fortunately for Surkamp, he'll almost certainly receive another opportunity to start, though the precise date of his next outing is uncertain. Next Thursday's off-day, combined with the subsequent series against Arizona, could prompt manager Bruce Bochy to juggle the rotation. Whenever Surkamp pitches again, he probably won't leave the game with as many souvenirs as he collected Saturday. His dressing stall was full of keepsake baseballs -- his first pitch, his first strikeout (Jimmy Paredes, caught looking at an 88-mph fastball in the second inning) and the 3-2 delivery he took while drawing a walk from Houston starter Brett Myers in the fifth inning. He also took away the feeling of being a winner as he joined the Giants' celebration following Keppinger's hit. "Your first game up here, being able to dogpile on the field and celebrate, I don't think it gets much better than that," Surkamp said. Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. --

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