Photo credit: @Braves

By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO — Well, the Giants are still on the same downward trajectory, but that doesn’t affect how standout rookie Dereck Rodriguez goes about his business.

Nine, consecutive losses has the Giants crawling to the finish line of the 2018 season, but Rodriguez ramped it up on Monday, pitching into the seventh inning only to see Gorkys Hernandez’s throwing error allow the Braves to break a 1-1 tie on their way to a 4-1 victory.

“That kid pitched a great game like he’s done so many times this year,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “A shame we couldn’t get any runs for him.”

When it comes to breakout performers, the Braves have a lot of teams outnumbered. Countering Rodriguez’ remarkable consistency on Monday was Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuna and starting pitcher Sean Newcomb.

While Acuna suffered a rare, quiet evening, Albies doubled and tripled, and Newcombe shut the Giants down for six innings allowing just three hits. Albies big leagued Hernandez in the seventh as well, tricking the veteran outfielder into a throw behind him at first while the rookie took second base. Hernandez’ throw got loose as well allowing the rookie to move to third.

The result was a tough luck loss for Rodriguez due to being the pitcher of record when the Braves scored their unearned, second run.

The Giants and Braves will play in their game two on Tuesday night at 7:15 pm PDT.