SAN FRANCISCO — Tony Vitello knew he would be extremely busy in his return to his hometown, but he planned to sneak away at some point. He said last week that he needed to get some Italian food soon after the Giants landed in St. Louis.
Vitello also wanted to get some wins with so many family members, friends and former players in attendance, but that will have to wait for Tuesday. The Giants left eight on base, including seven in the final three innings, and lost 2-1 to the Cardinals on Monday night at Busch Stadium.
The Giants had absolutely nothing going early, but as has been the case often with this young group, they kept charging late in the game.
Down 2-1 in the seventh, they loaded the bases but couldn’t bring the tying run across. They got two on in the eighth, but suffered some bad luck. Turner Hill’s two-out line drive would have tied the game, but it was hit right at third baseman Ramon Urias.
Jung Hoo Lee singled with one out in the ninth, and Drew Cavanaugh drew a walk. When closer Riley O’Brien threw a wild pitch with two outs, the Giants again had a golden opportunity, but Christian Koss hit...