Defense, pitching shine in intrasquad game

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Execution of fundamentals preserved a scoreless tie in the Giants' four-inning intrasquad game Tuesday that featured mostly rookies.

With two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning, Chris Dominguez launched a drive to right-center field that appeared destined to score Roger Kieschnick. But quick relays from center fielder Juan Perez and shortstop Brandon Hicks beat Kieschnick home.

Gary Brown singled off Derek Law to open that half of the fourth but was doubled off first base when he strayed too far off the bag on Nick Noonan's popup, which Hicks caught in shallow left field.

Slick defense ruled the day. Left fielder Gregor Blanco, the lone veteran participating, made a nice running catch in the corner on Brown's first-inning foul drive. Catcher Ben Turner reached over the dugout railing to snare Mark Minicozzi's popup in the top of the fourth.

Pitchers Edwin Escobar, Clayton Blackburn, Ty Blach and Brett Bochy put up the zeros for the "visiting" squad; Kyle Crick, Kendry Flores, Jose Casilla and Law kept the "home" team even. Blackburn looked particularly impressive, striking out two.

"He has a good idea of what he wants to do out there," manager Bruce Bochy said.