Category: San Francisco Giants

Giants Lose series to Padres 5-1 Wed; Pads score twice in 7th and 8th for win

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San Francisco Giants #16 Rafael Devers hits a homerun (365 ft) to left field on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo credits to Jay Choi SF Bay News Lab)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Giants have now lost back to back games in two days to the San Diego Padres. After Tuesday night’s loss, the Giants, again, dropped Wednesday afternoon’s game and the homestand to the Padres.

Although the Giants starting and losing pitcher, Adrian Houser, had one of his best starts as a Giant, San Francisco would lose to San Diego, 5-1. Thursday’s game was meaningful and special for the Giants regardless of the results, because Wednesday was Willie Mays 95th Birthday. Happy Birthday to the 12-time Gold Glove winner, two time MVP winner and 1954 World Series Champion.

Giants Adrian Houser had just thrown 73 pitches and got through six one-run innings. A solid start and performance the Giants needed, however their hitting would be a big factor on their loss. three hits in their own home park, the whole game, is a direction to a loss. Earlier in the season when Houser started the season, there was speculation on his performance, so to see a turn around from him this afternoon was great for the team and the fans.

At the start of the game there was solid pitching from both teams pitchers. Especially from the Padres and winning pitcher, Matt Waldron, who rang up seven strikeouts and just two hits allowed in the Padres win. It would go back and fourth all the way until the top of the fourth inning, when Padres, Gavin Sheets would get a homer to right field to the Padres on the board, 1-0.

An inning later, in the bottom of the fifth, Rafael Devers would get his third homerun of the season on a fly ball to left field. His homerun would get the Giants on the board, but it would be their only time they got to scoreboard. The score is tied, 1-1. However the San Francisco Giants would strikeout 13 times in this game, which showed both on how solid the Padres pitching was and how much the Giants are struggling on offense and hitting.

After Devers hitting sequence, the Padres would lock in and take over the afternoon in San Francisco. Going into the final stretch of the game, in the top of the seventh inning, Padres Ty France would hit a triple and bring in two runs with that hit. The score would jump to, 3-1, Padres holding the lead. Frances triple would be his second of the season.

Then again, just an inning later, the Padres weren’t done and would put up more runs. Padres Xander Bogaerts sent a 424 ft homer over the left field fence, his seventh of the season, and add second more runs to the Padres box sheet. With the score 5-1 the Giants had their backs on the wall. San Francisco would still have a chance for a comeback.

With just one inning left, the Padres knew what time it was. It was Miller time. Padres closer Mason Miller in one inning would put up two strikeouts to close the game. San Francisco has lost eight of nine and they’re now at their lowest record, 14-23 on the season. The win Wednesday would go to pitcher Padres Matt Waldron with seven strike outs, two hits, and one earned run. Also the losing pitcher would be Adrian Houser, three hits, one earned run, and three strikeouts.

The Giants will get a chance to rest Thursday, and get ready for their next series. The Giants will host the Pittsburgh Pirates starting on Friday, May 8th at 7:15 p.m at Oracle Park. San Francisco will send out starter LHP Robbie Ray (2-4, 2.95 ERA), and Pittsburgh will send out RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (2-2, 4.76 ERA). The game will be broadcasted on NBCS BA.

He Was A Giant? Feature Jim King 1958 By Tony the Tiger Hayes

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Former San Francisco Giant Jim King on his 1958 Topps card (Card by Topps Chewing Gum Co 1958)

He Was A Giant? Feature Jim King 1958

By Tony the Tiger Hayes

Jim King – OF – 1958 – # 22

He Was A Giant?

Overnight, King – a 25-year-old rumpled journeyman – went from a Giants afterthought to leapfrogging a former National League Most Valuable Player to start the first major league game ever played in California.

Acquired from St. Louis days before the Giants’ 1958 Golden Gate premiere, King started in LF and batted second vs. the newly minted Los Angeles Dodgers as the dawn of West Coast-based Major League Baseball broke at San Francisco’s Seals Stadium on 4/15/58.

King and the Giants did not disappoint, as he batted 2-for-3, with an RBI and a run scored as the Orange & Black dominated the Dodgers on a Ruben Gomez six-hit, 8-0 shutout.

King pounded the first ever base hit to drive in a San Francisco run when he rifled a single to right in the third off Don Drysdale, scoring C Valmy Thomas to make it 2-0. Previously, 3B Jim Davenport had driven in a run with a sacrifice fly.

King’s time to shine in the fog belt however didn’t last long. Of all nine Giants to start the first ever San Francisco opener, King would see the least amount of action with the Orange & Black – just 34 contests – before disappearing into the minor leagues for years.

After his noteworthy opening day nod, King would start just nine more times for San Francisco – batting .214, 2, 8 before moving on.

Why Was He a Giant?

The left -handed swinging King was acquired from the Cardinals in exchange for C Ray Katt about a week before opening day as OF insurance.

At the time of the trade, King was quoted as saying he was “well satisfied” to be with San Francisco.

Right-handed batting Hank Sauer – the 1952 NL MVP as a Cub – was initially pegged to start in LF opening day for the Orange & Black along with Willie Mays in CF and rookie Willie Kirkland in RF. But Sauer was swapped out for King hours before first pitch.

Manager Bill Rigney preferred the matchup King provided vs. Dodgers powerhouse righty Don Drysdale. It’s possible that the skipper knew that two seasons previously, King – as a Chicago Cub – had a grand day against Drysdale in Brooklyn, batting 2-for-4, with a solo HR vs. the future Hall of Famer.

Before & After

The Arkansas native originally appeared in the majors in 1955 with the Cubs and received a good amount of playing time against right-handers, bashing 26 long balls over 1955-56. A move to the Cardinals in 1957 proved less fruitful, leading to his swap to the Giants the following spring.

The Giants would part ways with King during the early summer of ‘58. He was initially sent to Triple-AAA Phoenix, but after batting just .200 in 20 games he was offered to the independent Triple-AAA Toronto club to make way for a bevy of young Giants prospects (Willie McCovey, Leon Wagner, Felipe Alou) on the come.

King wouldn’t make it back to the big leagues until 1961 when he was added to the roster of the expansion Washington Senators. Remarkably, King would flourish in D.C., starting in the Solons outfield for the next six seasons.

King’s 24 HR in 1963 were the most ever by a left-handed Senators hitter. King batted for the cycle for Washington in a 3-2 loss to Boston (5/26/64). He also became a member of the exclusive “Three HR Game” club in ‘64, but the woeful Senators also dropped that contest to Kansas City, 5-4 (6/8/64).

He Never Had A Bobblehead Day. But…

In an action packed early season tilt at Seals Stadium (5/5/58), the visiting Pirates took a seemingly insurmountable 11-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth, before the Giants began an unimaginable comeback.

With the bases loaded and one out, King touched off a madcap Giants rally when he sizzled a two-run, pinch-hit double off Bucs starter Vernon Law.

King’s two-bagger would be followed by two more consecutive pinch-hit doubles (Johnny Antonelli, Bob Speake) which added three more runs. Then there was a three-run homer by Ray Jablonski and a solo jolt off the bat of Orlando Cepeda.

The Giants had reloaded the bases again when King’s turn at bat came again, but manager Bill Rigney opted for pinch-hitter Don Taussig (the eighth pinch-hitter of the inning!) Taussig popped out to 2B Bill Mazeroski in shallow center to end the 11-10 almost miracle comeback.

Giant Footprint:

After King’s impressive opening day performance, Rigney intended on utilizing a LF platoon with King and the more seasoned right-handed hitting Sauer.

But the brawny Sauer – who reported his age as 39, but was actually two years older – soon pushed King to the bench for good with a torrid batting binge. Over the first two weeks of the ‘58 campaign, the “Snooz” torched National League pitching with a .389 average, 7 HR and 13 RBI.

A year-round California resident, Sauer fell in love with cool climate and neighborly vibe of Seals Stadium.

“They kid me a lot out there in left field. All you have to do is kid them back and you’re all set,” said Sauer, who after retiring in 1959, would become a longtime Giants hitting coach. “I think I could play in all 77 home games. You don’t get tired so easily in San Francisco because of the weather.”

Giants Fall to the Padres on Cinco de Mayo, 10-5

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San Diego Padres Sung-Mun Song hits a double on a sharp fly ball to center field in Game 2 of 3 at Oracle Park on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, at San Francisco, CA. (Photo credits to Jay Choi SF Bay News)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – Coming off of San Francisco Giants pitcher Caleb Kilian’s first Major League save last night and the team snapping their six-game losing streak, the Giants had a hard time picking up where they left off Monday with a loss to the Padres. Monday night’s win was special because it was the Giants’ 500th win in the all-time series between them. However, the Padres were in control the whole game and bounced back against the Giants Tuesday night 10-5.

The series between these two teams is now 3-2, with the Giants holding the lead thanks to their road wins earlier in the season. After Monday night’s win, the Giants have already matched their season win total versus the Padres from all of last season, as they went 3-10 against San Diego in 2025. This homestand between them is now tied, and the winner in Wednesday’s game will decide who wins this homestand.

Bottom of the first inning, Giants Casey Schmitt got his sixth homer of the season and was able to bring two runs in to give San Francisco an early 2-0 lead over San Diego. Schmitt also got himself a homer before, so in the last two days, he has gotten himself two homers. Not too far, in the top of the second, San Diego Padres Xander Bogaerts joins the party and gets his sixth homer of the season. Padres Bogaerts’ homer would cut the Giants’ lead to one, 2-1.

Getting his first Major League hit, Giants catcher Jesus Rodriguez singled on a line drive to right field, bringing the Giants Adames to score, and Gilbert to third with one out. Rodriguez would change the score and extend the lead to 3-1. His set up was nicely done, so then Giants Jung Hoo Lee grounded into a force out, but was able to help bring in Gilbert to score. They’d end the second inning with a new score, 4-2.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Padres were ready to start getting some hits, thanks to the Giants’ defensive errors. San Diego would put up five runs to give them their first lead of the night, 6-4. Especially credit to Padres Sung-Mun Song, who got a triple and brought in two runs. This was also Sung-Mun Song’s first career hit in the Majors.

Also, Giants shortstop Willy Adames had himself a throwing error that helped Song get a triple. An error the Giants wish they could’ve prevented in this game. San Francisco would pull out Logan Webb from pitching after four innings. The Padres had put up six runs on him, and also a five-run frame in his last inning of the game. The Giants would bring out JT Burbaker, but in his first inning, he threw already 39 pitches with another run to increase the Padres’ lead, 7-4.

Reaching the top of the sixth inning, the Giants would do another pitching change to LHP Ryan Borucki. However, the Padres would still see some success as they were able to get another run in on a single from Miguel Andujar, making the score now 8-4. The Giants’ offense has been quiet after the second inning, and San Francisco has struggled to get some hits going, to get them back in the game.

It would take San Francisco Giants Jesus Rodriguez to get some life in the ballpark as he got his first career homer in the Majors. Rodrigues would end this game with his first career hit and home run in the Majors. His homer in the bottom of the seven would change the score to 8-5. Although the Padres would have something to say about that homer from Rodriguez.

The Padres would go into the eighth inning and put up two runs. This was a big improvement for San Diego after their loss yesterday to the Giants. The Padres were determined to bounce back from last night, and that’s how they jumped back by hitting and making the most of the Giants errors and bullpen.

The winning pitcher for tonight’s game was San Diego Padres Walker Buehler. Buehler would have five strikeouts, seven hits, 5.1 IP, and one HR. On the other hand, the home team starting pitcher, Giants Logan Webb, would receive his fourth loss in the season. Webb would put up seven hits, six runs, four IP, and four strikeouts. Padres Bogaerts would receive player of the game, going 2-of-4 in his batting, and with his two RBI’s.

The Giants and Padres will see each other for the sixth time already this season, Wednesday, with the first pitch being held at 12:45 p.m. back in Oracle Park on NBCS BA. Wednesday’s game will be the last home game the Giants will host the Padres until September 11th, where they’ll return for the game on their 11th matchup of the season between them. However, the Giants will travel down to San Diego from June 30th through August 2nd.

Wedneday’s starters: San Francisco will send out RHP Adrian Houser (0-3, 7.12 ERA). While San Diego will send out RHP Matt Waldron (0-1 ERA 9.88).

San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva: Promotions of McDonald, Eldridge, and Rodriguez motivate veteran players to step up and end losing streak

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San Francisco Giants recent call up Bryce Eldridge splinters his bat against the San Diego Padres in the bottom of the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Mon May 4, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Michael, with the promotions of Trevor McDonald, Bryce Eldrige, and Jesus Rodriguez from Triple A Sacramento it looked like it motivated the parent San Francisco Giants into snapping their six game losing streak Monday.

#2 Starter Trevor McDonald threw for seven innings, allowing two hits, didn’t allow a run, and struck out eight batters. Was it a matter of the San Diego Padres weren’t familar with McDonald or he kept them off balance with some good pitches.

#3 Once the Giants returned to Oracle park and won on Monday 3-2 they picked up their seventh win in their last nine home games. They do respond to the home cooking.

#4 First baseman Rafael Devers also responded hitting in his second multi hit game of the season with two RBIs. Is he seeing the ball a lot better?

#5 Michael, talk about tonight’s starters for the San Diego Padres RHP Walker Buehler (1-2 ERA 5.40) for San Francisco RHP Logan Webb (2-3 ERA 4.30) first pitch at 6:40pm PDT at Oracle Park.

Michael Villanueva is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB The Show podcast Tony Renteria: What are the factors that led to SF’s 6 game skid?; Braves on MLB’s best start; plus more news

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Atlanta Braves Drake Baldwin (right) celebrates after hitting a two run home run against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver on Sat May 2, 2026 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Tony Renteria:

#1 How have the Tampa Bay Rays managed to maintain their hot streak, and what are the key factors behind the San Francisco Giants’ six-game losing skid?

#2 Braves’ dominant start to the season What has fueled the Atlanta Braves’ league-best start, and how significant is rookie pitcher JR Ritchie’s early impact on their success?

#3 Padres ownership change What could the potential long-term effects be of the San Diego Padres’ new ownership group on team spending, culture, and competitiveness?

#4 Astros vs. Dodgers rivalry renewed How does the ongoing rivalry between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers—rooted in the 2017 World Series—continue to influence current matchups and player performances?

#5 League-wide tensions and fan reactions What do recent fan protests (such as those seen in Boston) reveal about growing frustrations with MLB team management, and how might this impact front-office decisions?

Join Tony Renteria does the MLB The Show podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Trevor McDonald

McDonald shines, kids make debut as Giants beat Padres 3-2

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Photo: Giants pitcher Trevor McDonald throws against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, May 4, 2026 at Oracle Park. Photo by Jay Choi/SF Bay News Lab.

By Vince Cestone

SAN FRANCISCO–It was one of the worst road trips the San Francisco Giants may have ever had–three walk-off losses, with two on the same day, and an 0-6 trip where the offense looked listless. But that all changed on Monday night as the Giants got some home cooking and a strong start behind Trevor McDonald, as they beat the San Diego Padres 3-2 at Oracle Park on Monday night.

After the disastrous road trip to Philadelphia and Tampa Bay, Giants fans had something to be excited about as top prospect Bryce Eldridge was called up, along with top catching prospect Jesus Rodriguez. The Giants acquired Rodriguez in the trade that sent embattled closer Camilo Doval to the New York Yankees. While Eldridge nor Rodriguez got a hit in the game, their presence may have lit a fire into the struggling veterans.

After the Giants fell behind 1-0 in the first inning on a Jackson Merrill two-out, first inning home run, Casey Schmitt, who was playing third base for Matt Chapman, hit a solo home run in the bottom of the inning to tie the score 1-1. After Luis Arraez (2-for-4) hit the first of his two doubles in the game, Heliot Ramos reached on a fielder’s choice when Arraez beat the shortstop’s throw to third base. The next batter Rafael Devers singled him in to give the Giants a 2-1 lead.

Then, McDonald took over, pitching seven innings of one-run ball. He struck out eight batters and gave up just two hits and no walks. McDonald was just called up on Monday from Triple-A Sacramento, where he had a 5.40 ERA in 15 innings pitched. He found his A stuff at just the right time when the Giants needed a strong outing the most.

The Giants tacked on an important insurance run in the sixth inning when Devers hit a sacrifice fly to give the Giants a 3-1 lead. Arraez had led off the sixth with his second double of the game.

On the bullpen side, Keaton Winn pitched a scoreless, 1-2-3 eighth inning. But the big story was the Giants gave Caleb Kilian a chance to close out the game over Ryan Walker, who has three blown saves on the year. After Kilian gave up a leadoff home run to Padres left fielder Ramon Laureano, he retired the next three hitters in order, including strikeouts of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, to give the Giants a 3-2 win at Oracle Park. 33,000-plus fans went home happy.

The callups from Sacramento had decent at-bats, even though they didn’t record a hit. Eldridge (0-for-3) just missed a pitch in the first inning, popping out to first. He did draw a walk in the game and struck out once. Rodriguez (0-for-3) hit the ball hard twice but into outs.

The Giants are now 14-21 on the year but look like a new, energetic team. They hit the ball well all night but nothing to show for it, as the at-bats looked much better on Monday night.

Up next, the Giants will play Game 2 against the Padres on Tuesday night. Former Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler (1-2, 5.40 ERA) will pitch for the Padres. The Giants have not announced their starter for Tuesday. Game time is 6:45 p.m.

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez: Giants looking to break out of six game skid Monday against Padres

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Shortstop Taylor Walls #6 of the Tampa Bay Rays turns a double play against the San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field on May 03, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Calvin Hernandez/Getty Images)

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 How did the pitching matchup between Tyler Mahle and Steven Matz influence the pace and outcome of the game at Tropicana Field?

#2 What were the key moments that allowed the Tampa Bay Rays to secure a 2–1 walk-off victory in extra innings?

#3 How did Jonathan Aranda’s performance (including his 4-hit game) impact the final result for Tampa Bay?

#4 In what ways did the Giants struggle offensively during this game and the broader road trip leading up to it?

#5 How did small-ball tactics—like bunts and situational hitting—help the Rays tie the game late and eventually win?

Lincoln Juarez filled in for Marko Ukalovic. Lincoln does the Giants podcasts Fridays and Marko regularly does the Giants podcast each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants Continue To Struggle Losing Fifth In a Row – Rays Dominate Winning 5-1

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Tampa Bay second baseman Richie Palacios (left) tags out San Francisco Giants baserunner Casey Schimtt (10) attempting to steal second base at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay on Sat May 2, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (13-20) lost a second game in their series to the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1.The Giants will be looking to avoid a second sweep in a row Sunday in game three of the three game set in Tampa Bay.

No matter how you look at it, nothing is working for the Giants right now. It’s a hot mess, the answers are slow to come and it’s just pure frustration for San Francisco. They have been moving the starting line ups around trying to right the ship. Nothing seems to be working for San Francisco.

Game recap: The first three innings were scoreless neither team able to generate much offense. The Giants had a single in the first, three and out in the second and a walk in the third inning but not much else. The Rays had much the same with a single in the first, a three and out in the second and a single in the third.

San Francisco had a fourth inning single but the Rays showed some signs of turning things around. Tampa Bay hit a couple of singles (Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda) and with the two runners on base, Jake Fraley singled, their third of the inning, driving Caminero home for the first run of the game taking a 1-0 lead.

The Giants had another quiet inning with a Drew Gilbert single in the fifth but that would be all. The game then went into a very long bottom of the fifth that saw the Giants load the bases. Giants pitcher Landon Roupp walked two runners and allowed a double and two singles.

The Rays Hunter Feduccia doubled to start the bottom of the inning followed by a Taylor Walls walk. Chandler Simpson successfully bunted loading the bases. Cedric Mullins also walked and the Rays had a second run now leading 2-0.

Jonathan Aranda singled driving Simpson and Walls home extending the Rays lead out to 4-0. The Giants then brought in Matt Gage to relieve Roupp. He did give up a walk but got out of the inning.

San Francisco finally got on the scoreboard in the sixth inning. Luis Arraez doubled and Rafael Devers also doubled driving Arraez home and the Giants had their first run of the game.

That would be the only run but the San Francisco offense finally had a two hit inning a good sign that things may be turning around for the Giants in this game. The Rays went three and out in the bottom of the inning more good news but it was late in the game and San Francisco needed to make a move. Ryan Borucki relieved Gage in the sixth inning. Gage allowed no runs and no hits and only one walk.

Just when it looked like things were turning around, the Giants struggled through the top of the seventh inning. They had a Heliot Ramos single but not much else. The Giants had a pitching change in the bottom of the seventh inning; Gregory Santos came in to relieve Borucki who finished with no hits, no runs and no walks. Santos got out of the inning and it was onto the eighth.

Arraez had his third hit of the game in the top of the eighth but that would be the only hit for the Giants in the inning. It was just more of the same for San Francisco. The Rays scored an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth driving their lead to 5-1. Jonny DeLuca who had doubled scored on a throwing error.

The Giants were down to their final three outs in the game. Casey Legumina would take the mound looking to close out this game for the Rays. Matt Chapman would strike out, Willy Adames lined out and Ramos ground out and that was the ball game. The Giants had lost their fifth game in a row their longest drought this season. The final was 5-1.

It was just more of the same for San Francisco. They had only scored one run in this entire series. Frustration abounds and just when it looked as if things were turning around with three series wins in a row it all unraveled. We can see why it is happening but turning it around is really tough to figure out. San Francisco has been through this before last season although it happened much later in the season.

Giant post game notes: Saturday evening the Giants took on the Rays in game two of their three game series. San Francisco is in deep trouble offensively unable to generate hits let alone runs. A quandary considering the roster. They have some outstanding players on this team and so it is a real mystery.

The bottom line is that this team somehow has to get going offensively. So easy to say but far more difficult to actually do. The Giants Chung Hoo Lee hit in top the batting order in an effort to shake things up trying to determine what is going to gets things turned around Lee went 0-4 without a basehit. The team desperately needs their offense to heat up.

The Giants will get one last chance Sunday to avoid a second sweep in a row. Tyler Mahle will take the mound with a 1-4 win/loss record and a 5.87 ERA. The Rays will start Steven Matz. He has a 4-1 win/loss record with a 4.31 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 10:40 AM.

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez: Rays beat Ray doesn’t get run support in 3-0 SF loss

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Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) puts the tag on San Francisco Giants Luis Arraez (right) after trying to stretch a double into a triple in the top of the fourth inning at the Tropicana in Tampa Bay on Fri May 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln:Juarez:

#1 The Tampa Bay Rays Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero both hit home runs and Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan pitched six quality innings as the Rays blanked the Giants 3-0 Friday night.

#2 The Rays Taylor Walls hit a double to lead off the sixth inning and then stole third base and wound up scoring on Chandler Simpson’s sac fly for the Rays third and final run of the game.

#3 McClanahan was going smooth sailing unti the top of the fifth when the Giants Rafael Devers and Jung Hoo Lee both singled that put them both on first and third base. McClanahan got Jerar Encarnacion to hit into a double play that ended the inning. McClanahan allowed five hits and struck out five batters.

#4 Ray allowed three runs and four hits in six and one third innngs of work. Ray gave up a bunt single to Simpson and later picked Simpson off at first base when Simpson was trying to seal three pitches later on. Ray pitched well enough to win but didn’t get the run support.

#5 Giants go at it again on Saturday afternoon they’ll start RHP Landen Roupp (5-1 ERA 2.55) he’ll be opposed by the Tampa Rays RHP Griffin Jax (1-2 ERA 6.35) first pitch 3:10pm PDT.

Lincoln Juarez does the San Francisco Giants podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants Generate Little Or No Offense Getting Shutout by Rays 3-0

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Once again San Francisco Giants starter Robbie Ray throws to the Tampa Bay Rays line up at the Tropicana in Tampa Bay in the opening game of the three game series on Fri May 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After getting swept by the Philadelphia Phillies this week the San Francisco Giants (13-19) lost their fourth game in a row losing to the Tampa Bay Rays (19-12) 3-0 at the Tropicana in Tampa Bay. The Giants couldn’t get much offense going at all. It’s just more frustration for San Francisco as they watch their season record plummet. They only had six hits in the game and seldom had two runners on base in an inning.

Game recap: There was not a whole lot going on in the first inning for either team. The Giants went three up three down and the Rays had a single. Chandler Simpson had that single but was thrown out stealing second.

The Rays were first up on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second inning. Yandy Diaz hit a solo home run to right for an early 1-0 lead. Tampa Bay would add to that in the fourth inning with another long ball off the bat of Junior Caminero another solo home run for a 2-0 lead. The Giants went three and out in both the third and fourth innings. San Francisco had a very sluggish start in this game.

The Giants got some offense going in the fifth and sixth innings. In the fifth inning they got a couple of hits and left Rafael Devers stranded on third base. They also got a hit in the sixth but the inning came to an end when Heliot Ramos grounded into a double play. San Francisco had generated some offense but had nothing to show for it.

The Rays would score another run in the bottom of the sixth inning extending their lead to 3-0. Taylor Walls doubled followed by a Simpson sacrifice. Walls scored on that sacrifice and the Rays had it all going on going into the seventh inning while San Francisco was running out of time to make any impact in this game.

Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray finished 6.1 innings allowing 4 hits, 3 runs (2 home runs) striking out 5. He was relieved by JT Brubaker who took over in the seventh inning. The Tampa Bay starting pitcher Shane McClanahan went six innings before being relieved by Ian Seymour in the seventh inning.

The Giants had a single in the seventh inning but you are not to go anywhere if you can’t string out some hits. This game was headed in the wrong direction for the Giants. Going into the eighth inning San Francisco was looking at not only a loss but possibly a shutout. The Rays had gone three and out in the bottom of the seventh.

It was just at a standstill for the Giants going three and out in the eighth. With two outs in the ninth inning, it was up to Luis Arraez to keep this game going. He ground out and that was the ball game with the Rays winning. This was the seventh shutout this season for San Francisco as they drop to a season record of 13-19.

Game notes: Friday evening, the Giants traveled to Tampa Bay for a three-game series with the Rays. The Giants have lost four games in a row getting swept this week by the Phillies and losing the opening game of the series to Tampa Ray.

The Giants lost both ends of the doubleheader Thursday on walk-offs. San Francisco had some great opportunities in the late innings of both of those games but just couldn’t pull off a win in either.

On Friday in Tampa Bay, Giants pitcher Robbie Ray once again started and threw a game good enough to win but didn’t get the run support in the 3-0 loss. Ray went 6.1 innings, allowed four hits, three runs, and five strike outs. For Rays starter Shane McClanahan a quality start pitching six innings allowing five hits and struck out five.

The Giants need to generate offense if they plan on winning any games in this series. These guys have some great hitters on their roster but the offense is just stagnant right now.

The Giants plan on starting Landen Roupp in game two of the series on Saturday. He has been pitching well and comes into the game with a 5-1 win/loss record and a 2.55 ERA. The Rays will start Jesse Scholtens (2-1 ERA 3.20). First pitch for this game is scheduled for 3:10 PM PDT Saturday afternoon.