San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Alex Cobb throws to an Atlanta Braves batter during the first inning at Oracle Park San Francisco Fri Aug 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

Hit Parade for Michael Harris II Beats Giants 4-0

By Barbara Mason

Friday evening the Giants (64-58) began a three game series in Atlanta taking on the NL East leading Braves (79-42). San Francisco continued to skid losing 4-0 losing nine of their last 12. They have been winning a game here and there but have not been able to string much together.

The Giants will had their work cut out for them against these offensive giants (please pardon the pun) Braves. It is no laughing matter for the Giants right now who are fighting to stay in Wild Card contention.

Friday night recap: It was not the start that San Francisco was looking for. In the first inning the Braves scored twice taking a 2-0 lead. A familiar face Matt Olsen (former A) grounded into a fielder’s choice and Ronald Acuna Jr. scored for the first run and Eddie Rosario singled Olsen home for the second.

Atlanta scored another run in the second inning. Austin Riley doubled Michael Harris II home for a 3-0 lead. Part of the problem for San Francisco was Braves pitcher Spencer Strider who was proving very hard to hit. It would take the Giants three innings before they got anything off Strider.

Going into the fifth inning the score remained 3-0. San Francisco would have to get some offense going. Strider was having a great game with eight strikeouts through four innings only giving up one hit. He would be relieved in the eighth inning by Jimenez finishing with ten strikeouts.

With three hits already through five innings, a single, a double and a triple, Michael Harris II was having a terrific game for the Braves. It was all Braves so far in this game.

Atlanta was quiet through three innings but added to their lead in the sixth inning. Michael Harris went back to work with a second single added to his array of hits. Sean Murphy scored the fourth run of the game for the Braves now leading 4-0.

The game ended on a final strikeout, a 4-0 shutout for the Braves. The Giants only had two hits in the game.

Game two will start tomorrow at 4:20 PM. San Francisco will be looking to tie up the series. Logan Webb (9-9 ERA 3.26) will take the mound for the Giants. For Atlanta Yonny Chirinos (5-5 ERA 5.22) will get the nod.