San Francisco Giants Wilmer Flores right celebrates his three home run with Patrick Bailey (14) at Daikin Park in Houston on Mon Mar 31, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (3-1) had a great start to their three game series with the Houston Astros (2-2) winning the opener 7-2. They outhit the Astros 9-3 scoring in four innings. Unlike last season they are not leaving runners stranded when in scoring position.

They are getting on base via hits, steals and walks so they are getting the job done. Wilmer Flores had his second home run of the season with four RBI’s and Jung Hoo Lee continues to impress with two more runs scored.

Game recap: San Francisco was first up on the scoreboard in the second inning taking a 1-0 lead. Wilmer Flores singled Heliot Ramos home and the Giants were off and running. They would strike again in the fifth inning scoring a single run extending their lead to 2-0. LaMonte Wade Jr. hit a sacrifice fly sending Mike Yastrzemski home for their second run of the game.

After Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco allowed the two runs in the second and fifth innings he was relieved by Luis Contreras on the mound. He went five innings allowing three hits, two runs with six strikeouts.

The Giants really piled it on in the sixth inning scoring three runs. Wilmer Flores hit a three-run home run with Jung Hoo Lee and Patrick Bailey on base and San Francisco took a 5-0 lead going into the seventh inning.

The Giants had seven hits in the game while the Astros had only one hit. After the sixth inning Astros relief pitcher Luis Contreras was finished allowing three hits and three runs. Ryan Gusto would take over on the mound.

The Astros stepped it up in the eighth inning scoring two runs trailing 2-5. Isaac Paredes doubled driving both Jose Altuve and Cam Smith home. The Giants lead prevailed going into the ninth inning.

The Giants threatened in the ninth with runners on second and third, two outs and Matt Chapman at the plate. Chapman singled and two more San Francisco runners crossed home plate for a 7-2 lead.

Willy Adames and Jung Hoo Lee both scored on the Chapman single. San Francisco had nine hits in this game. The Astros had one last chance in the bottom of the ninth inning. Ryan Walker took the mound to try and close this game out for the Giants.

Ryan was perfect closing out the game for the win. He did have one walk in the inning. San Francisco had won the first game of this three game series 7-2.

Jordan Hicks set the stage for this win. He went six innings, allowing one hit with six strikeouts in a great showing tonight. San Francisco has had more success scoring with runners in scoring position which so far this season has been a nice improvement.

Matt Chapman has been a huge offensive and defensive weapon with stellar play at third base. Wilmer Flores hit his second home run of the season and the team came away with nine hits in the game. The Giants stole three bases in this game, two of which resulted in runs so this team is getting on base whether it be through hits, walks or steals. They are getting the job done.

Game notes: After winning their series with the Cincinnati Reds this past weekend, the Giants took on the Astros in Houston to open a three game series on Monday night. Jordan Hicks took the mound for the Giants Monday night and pitched one hit ball for six innings before being lifted. Starter for Houston was Ronel Blanco went three innings and gave up of three hits and three runs.

Tuesday night the Giants and Astros will clash in game two of this series. First pitch is scheduled for 5:10 PM. Probable pitchers for Tuesday’s game are slated to be Logan Webb for the Giants with a 5.40 ERA and for Houston Hayden Wesneski will take the mound.