Giants Get Past Marlins, Win 4-2, Taking the Series

San Francisco Giants Luis Matos smacks a three run home run in the top of the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Sun Jun 1, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (33-26) won their series over the Miami Marlins (23-34) winning game three 4-2 Sunday. Giant’s pitcher Hayden Birdsong had a great game going 5 1/3 innings. Heliot Ramos had a couple of hits, one of them a three run home run which turned to be the winning play of the game.

Game recap: The Giants got on the board in the third inning for a 1-0 lead. The very dependable Wilmer Flores grounded out to second with Ramos on third scoring the first run of the game.

The 1-0 lead did not last long, in fact in the very next inning, the fourth inning San Francisco put up some insurance runs when Ramos hit a home run to left center with Casey Schmitt and Patrick Bailey on base and the Giants had a nice 4-0 lead that would persist into the bottom of the sixth inning.

Miami finally got on the scoreboard in the sixth inning scoring one run. Otto Lopez singled Xavier Edwards home from second base and the score was 4-1 in favor of the Giants.

Through seven innings, San Francisco had five hits, and the Marlins also had five hits. The huge fourth inning for San Francisco put them in a great position to win this series. Hayden Birdsong finished a solid game going 5 1/3 innings, allowing five hits but only giving up the one run. His ERA now stands at 2.37 in a good outing. He was relieved by Ryan Walker who got San Francisco out of the sixth inning.

The Giants got on base via a walk in the top of the seventh inning but nothing more. Jordan Hicks would take over on the mound in the bottom of the seventh inning. Hicks walked the first batter he faced Eric Wagaman, but struck out Connor Norby and just when things were looking like they had settled he walked Liam Hicks.

Jordan Hicks forced manager Bob Melvin’s hand when he walked a third runner Javier Sanoja, loading the bases with only one out. Tyler Rogers came in to try and get the Giants out of this inning. He was facing the top of the batting order Xavier Edwards who singled Wagaman home and this game was a 4-2 tally with two outs. Rogers got the third strikeout with minimal damage.

Wilmer Flores singled to start out the top of the eighth inning but next at bat Matt Chapman hit into a double play. Willy Adames also singled but Schmitt struck out and that would close out the top of the inning.

Giant’s pitcher Erik Miller came into the bottom of the eighth inning. The Marlins really got something going in the bottom of the eighth. With one out Wagaman hit a double and the Marlins had two runners on second and third base, Ramirez and Wagaman with one out.

The Giants bullpen got really busy and that was it for Miller. Camilo Duval came to the mound to try and save the inning. He loaded the bases and with two out and was faced with a serious situation but came through striking out Sanoja and getting out of the eighth inning. San Francisco had hung onto their 4-2 lead when it could have ended very badly.

The Giants went quietly in the top of the ninth inning. Luis Matos singled and then stole second base, to no avail, when Ramos grounded out for the third out. It would be up to Camilo Doval to save the game for San Francisco.

He faced the top of the Marlin batting order and gave up a single to first batter Xavier Edwards who had his fifth hit of the day. Jesus Sanchez grounded into a double play and the Giants were one out away from the win. Doval got the out, the save and the Giants got not only the win but the series win.

A win is a win but we finally saw the San Francisco offense step up but one thing turns around and something else struggles and that was the bullpen Sunday. They really had a tough time but Doval saved the game. San Francisco finished with five hits although the Marlins outhit them with nine. Again Kudos to Hayden Birdsong who pitched a great game.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon the Giants beat the Marlins in game three to take the three game series 2-1. The Giants won the first game of the series 2-0 but then dropped game two to Miami 1-0. San Francisco came out ahead with a 4-2 on Sunday. Giants starting pitcher Hayden Birdsong pitched 5.1 innings, five hits and one earned run gave up one earned run and struck out five. Marlins starter Ryan Weathers pitched six innings, allowed five hits, four earned runs, walked three, and struck out seven.

They will take this win into San Diego where they start their series with the Padres Monday. This will be a battle for second place in the National League West. One game separates the two teams in this four-game series. Logan Webb will have another go on the mound after having struggled in his last outing. He has a 5-5 win/loss record and a 2.82 ERA. Stephen Kolek will start for the Padres with a 3-1 win/loss record ERA 4.11. First pitch Monday is scheduled for 6:45 PM.

Anemic Offense Continues to Plague Giants Losing to Marlins In 1-0 Shutout

San Francisco Giants pitching coach JP Martinez (black hoodie) talks with starter Robbie Ray (glove in face) with catcher Sam Huff, Matt Chapman (behind Ray) and LaMonte Wade Jr (31) in the bottom of the second inning at Loan Depot Park in Miami on Sat May 31, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After winning game one of their series with the Miami Marlins (23-33) the San Francisco Giants (32-26) were looking for a win Saturday in game two assuring them of a series win but instead of getting the series win the Giants were shutout 1-0 by Marlins starter Ed Cabrera and the bullpen to tie the series at 1-1. Friday San Francisco did have 11 hits but left a lot of runners in scoring position stranded but got the win 2-0.

This is something that the Giants couldn’t clean up in Saturday’s game again no offense. They had a red-hot pitcher taking the mound in Robbie Ray who came into the game with a spotless 7-0 record but got the loss now dropping to 7-1.

The Marlins starter Edward Cabrera pitched 5.2 innings, allowed six hits, no runs, and struck out five for the win.

Temperatures were toasty Saturday much as Friday but fans were comfortable under the state-of-the-art retractable roof at loan-Depot Park.

Game recap: This game became a real pitcher’s duel. The Marlins scored a single run in the second inning. taking the early 1-0 lead. San Francisco pitcher Ray got the first two outs in the inning but went on to walk Dane Myers and Nick Fortes back to back.

Javier Sanojar singled Myers home and that would be the last run the Marlins would score going into the bottom of the sixth inning.

Going into the seventh inning there had not been a whole lot of hitting for either team although the Giants had six hits to the Marlins two. Cabrera had 5 2/3 solid innings giving up the six hits, two walks and five strikeouts.

He was relieved by Ronny Henriquez who finished off the inning for Miami. Henriquez stayed on the mound to start the seventh inning. He got the first two outs but hit Heliot Ramos and the Giants had a runner at first.

When it looked as if Jung Hoo Lee had knocked the ball out of the park, the Miami defense made a second amazing catch in the outfield robbing the Giants of a lead in the game. They had made a similar catch in the second inning that also would have made a difference in the game. Those two amazing plays by the Marlins kept this game a one-run game.

The eighth inning rolled around and San Francisco was running out of game. Chapman had been on base three times in the game but the team was still looking for their first run. Willy Adames walked and San Francisco had two runners on base with one out.

Mike Yastrzemski sacrificed and Chapman advanced to third and the Giants had runners at the corners. Tyler Fitzgerald struck out and that was the inning.

The Giants again went quietly in the ninth inning and this team continues to struggle as a whole. The series is tied and the rubber match will finish off the series Saturday. San Francisco has been unable to figure out just what is going so wrong for the team.

The good news is that we are through the month of May and the team will be looking for much more in the month of June where they have typically played well. Is this getting into their heads? There is no way of knowing but they do have some serious issues to address. After the 1-0 Marlin win, Miami will be trying to walk away with the series Sunday.

Robbie Ray had a great game despite the loss. He got into a bit of trouble in the second inning with walks and of course the one run. He finished the game pitching for seven innings which was really needed after going through seven pitchers in Friday’s game.

He gave up two hits, one run, three walks with nine strikeouts. The Giants were 0-6 with runners in scoring position and left ten runners stranded wiping out the great performance the team got from Ray. The disappointment continues with this team as they try to salvage the series in Sunday’s game.

First pitch for game three is scheduled for 10:40 AM. Hayden Birdsong (2-1 ERA 2.48) will take the mound for the Giants and the Marlins will start Ryan Weathers (1-0 ERA 1.15).

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez: Giants open 3 game series with Marlins Friday

San Francisco Giants starter Landen Roupp works on the Detroit Tigers line up in the bottom of the first inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wed May 28, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 Despite a more productive offense, the San Francisco Giants (31-25) got swept by the Detroit Tigers (37-20) losing game three 4-3 on Wednesday.

#2 Giants Heliot Ramos had the only home run of the game which scored two runs. Taking a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the fifth inning, the Giants were looking pretty good.

#3 It all came crashing down when the Tigers put four runs up on the scoreboard in the fifth taking the 4-3 lead that would be the final.

#4 In the fifth inning as eight Detroit batters came to the plate. A couple of runs scored when Colt Keith doubled Jake Rogers and Kerry Carpenter home in a Detroit rally that was just getting started with no outs.

#5 The Giants have the day off Thursday but are back at it again in Miami on Friday. The Giants will start Kyle Harrison (0-1, ERA 3.86) and for the Marlins Cal Quantrill (3-4 ERA 6.09) first pitch 4:10pm PDT.

Lincoln Juarez filled in for Morris Phillips who does the San Francisco Giants podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Suffers Another Loss; Swept By Tigers 4-3; Road trip continues for SF Friday in Miami

Detroit Tigers third base coach Joey Cora (left) has got a good idea that Detroit Tigers Jake Rogers (right) has got the throw and tag beat ahead of San Francisco Giants third baseman in bottom of the fifth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wed May 28, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason
Despite a more productive offense, the San Francisco Giants (31-25) got swept by the Detroit Tigers (37-20) losing game three 4-3 on Wednesday.

Giants Heliot Ramos had the only home run of the game which scored two runs. Taking a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the fifth inning, the Giants were looking pretty good. It all came crashing down when the Tigers put four runs up on the scoreboard in the fifth taking the 4-3 lead that would be the final.

Game recap: San Francisco got those bats working in the second inning with a couple of hits. Matt Chapman doubled to open the inning and LaMonte Wade Jr. doubled driving in Chapman for the early 1-0 lead. The score remained 1-0 going into the fifth inning.

More hits for the Giants came in the fifth when Ramos homered with Mike Yastrzemski on board to extend their lead to 3-0 in a much improved offensive effort mid-way through the game. Through five innings the Giants already had five hits and with the 3-0 lead looked to be in control of this game.

The Tigers turned this entire game upside down in the bottom of the fifth inning as eight Detroit batters came to the plate. A couple of runs scored when Colt Keith doubled Jake Rogers and Kerry Carpenter home in a Detroit rally that was just getting started with no outs.

The Tigers would tack on another two runs to take the lead 4-3 when Justyn -Henry Malloy singled Gleyber Torres and Colt Keith home. The San Francisco 3-0 lead had been extinguished in a single inning.

This game went into the ninth inning with the Tigers continuing to lead 4-3. It became a pitchers duel as neither had scored through three innings. It came down to the top of the ninth and the Giants had one last chance to salvage the game.

It was quick and painful for San Francisco in the inning. Ramos struck out, Wilmer Flores flied out and Jung Hoo Lee ground out and that was the ballgame with the Tigers sweeping the Giants winning the game 4-3.

The Giants had more production at the plate with ten hits in the game outhitting the Tigers 11- 7. The problem for San Francisco was the number of runners in scoring position that failed to score. They had nine players in scoring position coming away with only one run.

Lack of opportunity was not the problem for the Giants today because they had a multitude of chances to score. While the Tigers were outplayed in the game they were able to hang onto the lead for the one-run win.

The hero of the game for the Tigers was closer Tommy Kahnle who pitched the final two innings. He finished the game with no hits, no runs, no walks and two strikeouts.

Roupp lasted four innings for San Francisco and was relieved by Randy Rodriguez for a couple of innings. Ramos and Chapman each had three hits and LaMonte Wade Jr. has really stepped it up lately with a couple of hits.

It was another really tough game for the Giants. Three Tiger runners reached first base after being hit and so there was a lot going on for San Francisco that attributed to this loss.

Game notes: Wednesday afternoon the Giants finished up their series with the Tigers swept after losing games one and two by 3-1 scores and losing by a run on Wednesday 4-3. San Francisco continued to struggle at the plate in both Monday and Tuesday games and needed more production offensively in Wednesday’s game.

Giants starting pitcher Roupp went four innings pitched allowed five hits and an earned run. The Tigers scored three more unearned runs. All four of the Detroit runs came in the bottom of the fifth inning and that was all they needed to win the game. Tiger starter Jobe Jackson went 4.2 innings, allowing seven hits and three earned runs for the win.

The Giants will take a travel day off Thursday before taking on the Miami Marlins on Friday for a three game series. Probable pitcher for San Francisco will be Kyle Harrison with a 0-1, 3.86 ERA. The Marlins will start Cal Quantrill who comes into the game with a 3-4 win/loss record and a 6.09 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 4:10 PM.

Lack of Hitting Continues to Plague Giants Losing to Detroit 3-1 in Game Two

San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin gets into it with umpire Tom Randazzo after getting kicked out of the game in the top of the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers on Tue May 27, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Game Two between the San Francisco Giants (31-24) and the Detroit Tigers (36-20) looked very much like game one. The Giants only scored in one inning, the ninth inning , after the Tigers had taken a 3-0 lead after the three opening innings.

It was another tough loss for pitcher Logan Webb. He did strikeout ten batters but the Giants continued to struggle at the plate, they’re bats on standby for some time now as they continue to search for answers in a 3-1 loss at Comerica Park in Detroit on Tuesday night.

A windy day in Detroit were the conditions that the Giants had to deal with on Tuesday of their series with the Tigers. San Francisco lost Monday by the score of 3-1.

In game after game, the Giants have not had a great deal of offense despite continuing to win games here and there. It is starting to catch up with them as the lost again on Tuesday and they have to figure this out as their win/loss record continues to plummet.

The Giants starter Logan Webb just couldn’t hold those Tigers pitching six innings allowing seven hits, and all of the Tigers three runs was all they needed. Starting pitcher for the Tigers Jack Flaherty got the win pitching six innings allowing just two hits, no earned runs, one walk and struck eight.

This game did not go as planned for the Giants. The Tigers scored in the first three innings to take a 3-0 lead. Riley Greene doubled in the first inning to get started for Detroit and Gleyber Torres scored on that hit for the early 1-0 lead.

It did not stop there. Wenceel Perez came to the plate and homered in his first at-bat in his season debut, a solo home run, extending the Detroit lead to 2-0. In the third inning Riley Greene had his second hit of the game, a single, driving in Colt Keith for a 3-0 lead. Detroit would not score for the rest of the game.

The Giants trailed early but there were still six innings of baseball left for a comeback. While the Giants had a lot of game left their problematic woes at the plate persisted and they did not score a single run through the first eight innings.

They finally got up on the scoreboard in the ninth inning but it was far too little too late. Wilmer Flores, who has been consistently good at the plate doubled Heliot Ramos home for the only run San Francisco would score in the game. The final was 3-1 in favor of Detroit as the Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the series looking for a sweep Wednesday.

Tiger pitcher Jack Flaherty threw six scoreless innings. He finished allowing two hits, a walk and eight strikeouts. His ERA improved to 3.94 as the Tigers won their third game in a row. He retired the last 11 batters he faced before being relieved by Chase Lee.

It was another tough game for San Francisco starting pitcher Logan Webb. He allowed seven hits, three runs, one walk and ten strikeouts through six innings. He was relieved by Tristan Beck who finished the game in the losing effort. Manager Bob Melvin was ejected in the fifth inning for arguing balls and strikes. All-around it was a rough outing for the Giants.

Wednesday, game three will be played with the Giants fighting to avoid a sweep. The Giants will start Landon Roupp who comes in with a 3-3 win/loss record and a 3.63 ERA. Jackson Jobe will take the mound for the Tigers with a 4-1 win/loss record and a 4.06 ERA. This will be a very tough assignment for San Francisco if they continue to struggle offensively. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 10:10 AM.

San Francisco Offense Remains Stagnant Losing to Tigers 3-1

Matt Chapman provided the only offense for the San Francisco Giants scoring the team’s only run in the top of the sixth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Mon May 26, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (31-23) started off their three game series with the Detroit Tigers (35-20) on Memorial Day but this day was anything but memorable for the Giants losing 3-1. Again the team struggled at the plate coming away with only five hits in the game. The only players with hits were the threesome of Wilmer Flores, Jung Hoo Lee and Matt Chapman. It was a lackluster offensive game for San Francisco.

Game recap: It was a quiet start for both teams through the first three innings. The first team up on the scoreboard was Detroit in the bottom of the fourth inning taking a 1-0 lead. Dillon Dingler singled Colt Keith home. Detroit struck again in the bottom of the fifth inning, this time for two runs extending their lead to 3-0. Riley Greene singled both Kerry Carpenter and Gleyber Torres home and the Tigers were off and running.

San Francisco continued to struggle at the plate finally getting up on the scoreboard in the sixth inning, a single run. Flores singled to center and Chapman scored and the Giants were back in the game but still trailing 3-1.

Flores along with Lee and Chapman were having a good game despite very few hits across the board. Taking the early lead was monumental for the Tigers forcing the Giants to play catchup for the rest of the game. The Tigers have been especially good at home and this game was proving no different.

The Giants pitching was keeping the Giants in the game but the poor hitting was hurting them. Neither team would score for the remainder of the game; the final was 3-1 in favor of the Tigers. San Francisco had horrible offense finishing with only five hits and loading the bases several times in the early innings didn’t help either.

Only three Giants had hits and they are going to have to snap out of it. Flores brought in the only run the Giants had in the game. Flores had 2 hits, Lee had two and Chapman one. San Francisco is connecting at the plate but it has been a collection of fly outs, line outs and ground outs not to mention the mounting errors.

Game notes: The Giants kicked off the unofficial start of summer on the road taking on the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. It was a sunny 67 degrees at first pitch. a perfect day for enjoying a holiday baseball game. The Giants were coming off a successful series with the Nationals winning yesterdays game, a close one, 3-2.

The Tigers lost their last series with the Guardians but did win their last game with Cleveland 5-0. The American League Central leaders will be looking to get back on track in this series. They have a very deep lineup which plays very well offensively. The Giants have been struggling with a very quiet offense. They have been winning despite quiet bats but starting to connect would enhance everything for the Giants.

Tuesday in game two the Tigers will be even tougher than in game one. They are back on track winning their second game in a row in a stadium where they have been hard to beat. Logan Webb who has not been very good on the road will try to get a win for the Giants Tuesday and tie up the series.

He struggled in his last outing and will be looking to clean things up. He has a 5-4 win/loss record and a 2.67 ERA. The Tigers will start Jack Flaherty who also struggled in his last outing. He has a 2-6 win/loss record and an ERA of 4.39. First pitch for Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 3:40 PM.

in the only run the Giants scored in the game.

San Francisco Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic: Giants win sixth of last ten; Head to Detroit to open 3 game series Monday

San Francisco Giants Willy Adames (left) and Mike Yastrzemski (right) are lighter than air after their win over the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington DC on Sun May 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic:

#1 San Francisco Giants starter Robbie Ray pitched six effective innings to pick up his seventh win against no loses for the season in a 3-2 win over the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

#2 The Giants Sam Huff provided some offense with a home run and it was enough to get by the Washington Nationals. The Giants taking two out of three in Washington.

#3 The Nats CJ Abrams let the bottom of the ninth off with a double off closer Ryan Walker and James Wood picked up an RBI with a one out double scoring Abrams. Walker ended up retiring the next two hitters and picked up his tenth save of the season.

#4 Marko at the rate that Ray is pitching he could be a Cy Young candidate. Ray is the second Giant in the last 30 years to start a season at 7-0 the last to do it was Kevin Gausman in 2021.

#5 Next up for the Giants it’s off to the Motor City and the Detroit Tigers on Monday. The Giants will be starting RHP Hayden Birdsong 2-0 ERA 1.91 for the Tigers Keider Montrero (1-1 ERA 5.28) first pitch 10:10 AM PDT at Comerica Park in Detroit.

Marko Ukalovic does the Giants podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants Win Series Over the Nationals 3-2; SF’s Ray stays perfect at 7-0

San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray pitches to the Washington Nationals line up in the bottom of the third inning at Nationals Park in Washington DC on Sun May 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Despite having a fairly quiet offensive game, the San Francisco Giants beat the Washington Nationals 3-2. San Francisco pitcher Robbie Ray went six innings and continued his brilliant play picking up his seventh win against no loses. A lot of credit to the San Francisco bullpen which is the best in baseball right now and has been a huge part of their success.

Game recap: San Francisco got their bats working early taking a 1-0 lead into the second inning. Willy Adames grounded out to the pitcher allowing Wilmer Flores to score for the first run of the game and the San Francisco 1-0 lead.

The Giants carried the offensive momentum into the third inning scoring two more runs and taking a 3-0 lead. Sam Huff hit a home run to left center for the first third inning run. San Francisco extended that lead off a Heliot Ramos ground out sending Michael Yastrzemski home for the 3-0 tally.

The Nationals scored their first run of the game on a Ray wild pitch in the third inning. Nasim Nunez got the Nationals up on the scoreboard with the Giants still leading 3-1.

San Francisco did not score for the rest of the game coming away with only five hits as they continue to struggle offensively. They stubbornly hung onto the 3-1 lead going into the ninth inning. The Nationals threatened in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The Giant’s Ryan Walker was the closer in the game giving up two hits and one run. The Nationals James Woods doubled in the ninth inning and CJ Abrams scored their second run threatening to at least tie up this game. After Walker gave up two doubles, he shut Washington down getting out of the inning closing out the game with a 3-2 San Francisco win and also a series win.

Despite the win in this game, the Giants continue to look for more success offensively. The home runs have quieted down and the bats have been sluggish. While a win is a win, San Francisco needs to start closing out games with a lot more hits.

As expected Ray was brilliant on the mound with his contagious energy and solid pitching.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon the Giants wrapped up their series with the Nationals. After being shut out in Saturday’s game 3-0 the Giants were looking for a whole lot more offense but just got enough to win it on Sunday.

In game two on Saturday San Francisco only had three hits while the National’s had eight. Giant starter Robbie Ray whose been excellent all season pitched six innings, gave up three hits, one earned run and struck seven with an ERA of 2.56 was the winner now 7-0. Nationals starter Michael Soroka pitched six innings allowing five hits, three earned runs, one walk, and two strike outs for the loss.

The Giants will now take the energy from this series win into Detroit on Monday where they will face the Tigers in a three game series in what will be three challenging matchups. The Tigers are second in all of baseball with a great pitching staff. San Francisco will have to get the bats going. They will start Hayden Birdsong (2-0 ERA 1.91) while the Tigers will send Keider Montero coming into this game with a 1-1 win/loss record and a 5.28 ERA. First pitch for this Memorial Day matchup is scheduled for an early start 10:10 AM.

San Francisco Musters Little Offense Losing Game Two to the Nationals in a 3-0 Shutout

James Wood puts good wood on the baseball for a two run home run for the Washington Nationals against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the first inning at Nationals Park in Washington DC on Sat May 24, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (30-22) lost game two in their series with the Washington Nationals (24-28) 3-0. The Giants generated very little offense with only three hits. The National’s pitcher Jake Irvin blew through batter after batter going eight innings.

San Francisco’s lack of hitting has been obvious for the last seven or so games. The Giants will be looking to win this series in Sunday’s rubber game. They still have a chance for a series win but they have to get their bats going and play with a lot more intensity.

Game recap: After the lack of scoring in Friday’s game, the Nationals got up on the scoreboard in the first inning taking an early 2-0 lead when James Wood hit a home run with Amed Rosario on base for the early lead.

The Giants were looking for their first run of the game and through eight innings they had come up empty. The Nationals added another run in the seventh inning when Robert Hassell III grounded out to the pitcher and Luis Garcia Jr. scored giving the Nationals a 3-0 lead. Through eight innings the Giants only had three hits while the Nationals had eight.

It had been a silent day for San Francisco at the plate going into the ninth inning. They were three outs away from losing game two. The Nationals pitcher Jake Irving had an amazing time on the mound lasting eight innings allowing the three hits, with two walks and seven strikeouts. He was handling the Giant’s batters with ease. He was relieved by Jorge Lopez who came in to close out this game for Washington.

San Francisco had their final chance going into the ninth inning. Jung Hoo Lee was first up at the plate but grounded out to the pitcher. Wilmer Flores struck out with Matt Chapman the Giant’s last hope at the plate. Chapman hit a deep ball to right field but Daylen Lyle made an amazing play stretching for the final out and that was the ball game 3-0 in favor of the Nationals to even up the series.

The Nationals pitcher had a great game with Jake Irvin going for eight innings. He just blasted through the Giant’s lineup in record time, the game lasting only 1:52. He used his sinker very well pitching to the Giant’s weakness. He only gave up the three hits with seven strikeouts and now has a 4-1 win/loss record. In this game he had 96 total pitches and 64 of them were strikes.

Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison lasted four innings allowing five hits and two earned runs. He did not walk any batters and had four strikeout. He was relieved by Tristan Beck who allowed two hits and the third run with two strikeouts and went for three innings.

This was the fifth time the Giants have been shutout this season. San Francisco got completely shut down and didn’t even have a hit after the fifth inning and didn’t have a runner in scoring position after the fourth. They had very few scoring opportunities. With the series all tied up, the rubber game will be played Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 10:35AM PDT.

Game notes: The Giants took on the Nationals Saturday afternoon in the second of their two game series at Nationals Park. San Francisco won game one day 4-0 after six scoreless innings by both teams. The Giants got on the board in the seventh scoring two runs extending their lead in the eighth inning with two more runs for the eventual final of 4-0.

The Giants starter Kyle Harrison struggled pitching four innings allowing five hits and two earned runs. The Nats starter Jake Irvin had a strong outing going eight innings, allowing three hits and no runs.

Robbie Ray will take the mound for San Francisco who has been pitching very well with a 6-0 win/loss record and a 2.67 ERA so the Nationals will be challenged by him. Washington will start Michael Soroka who has a 1-2 win/loss record with a 5.95 ERA.

Landen Roupp Leads Giants to a Win Against Nationals in Game One 4-0

By Barbara Mason

San Francisco Giants starter Landen Roupp pitched six innings of five hit ball against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington DC on Fri May 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

The San Francisco Giants (30-21) beat the Washington Nationals (23-28) in game one of their series 4-0 at Nationals Park in Washington DC. The keys to this game were the Giants Willy Adames single driving in Jung Hoo Lee for the first run of the game in the seventh inning 1-0.

The Nationals walked in a run in the same inning extending the San Francisco lead to 2-0. Wilmer Flores’ had his 43rd RBI driving in a second run from Lee and a 3-0 lead in the eighth inning. A wild pitch allowed a fourth San Francisco run and the great start that Mackenzie Gore had given Washington faded quickly when he left the game in the seventh inning.

Game recap: Going into the bottom of the fourth inning the game remained scoreless. Neither team was having a lot of offense as this pitchers duel went into the fifth inning. Through four innings, each team had two hits. The Giant’s starter Landon Roupp was having a great showing on the mound.

He knocked out the first three at bats for Washington in the opening inning, allowed a double in the second and a single in the third. He did walk Luis Garcia Jr. in the fourth inning but that would be it for Washington. Gore was also having a very solid game only allowing two hits through the four innings.

As this game wore on the stalemate continued going into the top of the seventh inning. The pitchers duel continued into the inning. Lee walked in the top of the inning and the Giants had another runner on base with no outs.

Gore left the game in the inning and was relieved by Jackson Rutledge. Gore had been hit in the leg in the second inning which could have been the reason for the eventual relief. Both the trainer and manager came out to the mound making the decision although Gore argued that he was ok.

Rutledge walked Matt Chapman and San Francisco had runners at first and second still with no outs. The Nationals had their second double play of the game with Lee advancing to third.

Adames singled Lee home and the Giants were first up on the scoreboard with the first run of the game 1-0. San Francisco still had two runners on base, Adames and Casey Schmitt looking to extend their lead.

Rutledge walked Mike Yastrzemski and the Giants had the bases loaded with a great chance for more. Rutledge walked in a run and the Giants had drawn five walks in the inning now leading 2-0. That would be it for Rutledge as Zach Brzykcy came in to relieve him the bases still loaded. Brzykcy got out of the inning putting an end to any more San Francisco runs.

The Nationals put two runners on base in the bottom of the seventh and that would be it for Roupp. Randy Rodriguez one of the Giants best relievers took the mound. The Giants got out of the inning with a double play taking the 2-0 lead into the top of the eighth inning and the combination of Roupp and Rodriguez had been perfect.

The Giants got a great jump in the eighth inning off hits from Lee and Chapman, now with runners at the corners and one out. Flores singled driving in his 43rd of the season and San Francisco had a 3-0 lead. A wild pitch scored a fourth Giant’s run and not much was going right for the Nationals trailing 4-0.

Erik Miller took the mound for the Giants in the bottom of the eighth inning. He allowed one walk but that would be it for the Nationals who were three outs away from losing the first game of the series.

Camilo Duval closed out this game for San Francisco in the ninth inning. Nathaniel Lowe popped, Keibert Ruiz flied out and Luis Garcia Jr. lined out and that was the ball game 4-0 in favor of San Francisco.

Game notes: After dropping their last series to the Kansas City Royals winning game two but losing the first and third game, the Giants left the Bay Area traveling back east for a series with the Washington Nationals Friday night.

For the Giants starter Roupp pitched six innings allowing five hits and didn’t allow a run with two walks and two strike outs. For the Nat’s starter MacKenzie Gore pitched six innings allowing two hits and one earned run.

San Francisco was able to get back on track holding down second place in the National League West right now trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by two games.

This was exactly the way that the San Francisco Giants wanted to get this road trip underway. They will be looking for a second win Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 PM. Lefty Kyle Harrison will take the mound for San Francisco with a 0-0, 3.38 ERA. The Nationals will start Jake Irvin who had a 3-1 win/loss record and a 3.88 ERA.