San Francisco Giants pitcher Ross Stripling throws against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sun Jul 30, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO–The Boston Red Sox (56-49) dropped their second straight game 4-3 and lost the series 2-1 to the San Francisco Giants (58-48) in 11 innings on a beautiful afternoon in the City on the Bay.

Boston was hitless until the top of the fourth when third baseman Rafael Deavers hit a double to left field,  Nothing materialized after that scoring opportunity.

The Giants on the other hand, scored twice in each of their halves of the second and fifth innings.  Casey Schmitt hit into a fielder’s choice at third, scoring Michael Conforto, while Joc Peterson singled to right field in the fifth inning, scoring Schmitt.  2-0 SF.

Boston finally got on the board in the seventh inning on a homer to left by first baseman Adam Duvall, but that was all they could muster that inning, which ended on a (8-4) double play.

The Red Sox came right back the following inning and took their first lead (3-2) on a two-run blast to left by Justin Turner, who also scored Jarren Duran.

The Giants came back to tie it at three on a fielder’s choice play to the pitcher by Patrick Bailey, while Conforto snuck in from third.

After nine hard fought innings, the two combatants went to extra frames.  The new rules are implemented with a runner in scoring position to start off the inning.

In the bottom of the 11th inning, with the bases loaded, Joc Peterson lined a single to right field, scoring Alex Verdugo and ending the thriller of a ballgame.

Boston stays on the West Coast and travels north to Seattle, Monday July 31.  Their starting pitcher is yet to be determined.  The Giants host Arizona on the same date, while neither pitcher is determined at press time.

Michael Roberson is a http://www.sportsradioservice.com staff writer