Instant Replay: Bullpen blows lead, Giants lose finale

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SAN FRANCISCO — Matt Cain found some of his old form on Sunday. Appropriately, that led to him getting a brutal no-decision.

A day after Jake Peavy helped send Tim Hudson off into retirement, Cain gave a pre-game speech for retiring left-hander Jeremy Affeldt and then threw five strong innings. Cain, the tough-luck starter here for so many years, gave up just two hits and the Giants built a three-run lead, but it all fell apart in the ninth. Corey Dickerson's three-run homer highlighted a seven-run inning for the Rockies, who got seven hits in their final inning of the season and won 7-3. 

This was Cain’s first start since August, and it rocketed him into the offseason with positive vibes. It was just the second time in 13 outings this season that Cain didn’t allow a run and he cruised through a tough Rockies lineup. Cain gave up a triple in the first and a single in the third, but he retired the final seven hitters he faced. The right-hander finished the year with a 5.79 ERA.

[PAVLOVIC: Giants notes: Affeldt helps groom the next Affeldt]

The Giants opened the day with four straight singles to give Cain an early 2-0 lead, and the game was mostly about pitching changes and outs from there. That changed in the top of the ninth. George Kontos came on attempting to get his first career save and gave up a game-tying three-run homer to Dickerson. The hits kept coming against Cody Hall and Yusmeiro Petit.

The Giants loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth but couldn't score. They finished the year 84-78.

Starting pitching report: Cain got robbed of his third win of the season. He’ll go into 2016 still needing three to reach 100. 

Bullpen report: In his final appearance, Affeldt came on for the sixth and got two quick outs. Bruce Bochy came out with a hug and the hook, and Affeldt hugged his infielders before tipping his cap to the Rockies and a roaring sellout crowd. If you haven’t seen video of his pre-game speech, go find the video of his pre-game speech.  

At the plate: Brandon Crawford grounded out with the bases loaded. He finished his year with 21 homers and 84 RBI, and became the first shortstop in 110 years to lead the Giants in homers.

In the field: The first batter Affeldt faced in his final appearance popped a ball up straight to the mound. Affeldt briefly considered fielding it, then stood a few feet away with his hands on his hips. 

Attendance: The Giants will take a streak of 408 consecutive sellouts into next season.  

Up next: The first tee!

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