Category: San Francisco Giants

Giants look to build on positive momentum after 9-4 win over the Padres

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Photo credit: mlb.com

By Jeremy Harness

The Giants have managed to get back to being a winning baseball team. By virtue of their series win against the San Diego Padres, they are now a game above .500, which is certainly a reason to be excited if you’re a Giants fan.

Having won four of their last six games, the Giants, however, will have a test on their hands as they now hit the road for 12 games.

The first stop on their journey will take place in Atlanta, as the Giants pay a visit to the Braves for a three-game weekend series that starts Friday night at SunTrust Park. Chris Stratton (2-2, 3.90 ERA) will take the ball for the Giants opposite Atlanta righty Mike Foltynewicz (2-1, 2.53 ERA).

Foltynewicz is coming off a stellar performance in Philadelphia, as he gave up only a run on three hits over six strong innings in a 4-1 win over the Phillies last Saturday. Meanwhile, Stratton is looking for a comeback after surrendering six runs in only 1 1/3 innings in a blowout loss to the Dodgers last Saturday.

Lefty Ty Blach (2-3, 4.10 ERA) will go for the Giants on Saturday against Brandon McCarthy, a former Athletic who has won all of his four starts this year with a 3.09 ERA. In their last outings, McCarthy beat the Phillies in a one-run, five-hit performance over 5 1/3 innings, while Blach went six innings and surrendered a pair of runs on six hits in a win over Washington.

To close out the series, the Giants will send Jeff Samardzija (1-1, 5.27 ERA) to the mound against Atlanta’s Mike Soroka (1-0, 1.50 ERA).

Samardzija, who has been making his return from injury, is coming off an outing against San Diego on Monday where he surrendered two runs on five hits in a victory while Soroka won his first start of the season on Tuesday by surrendering only a run on six hits to the New York Mets.

Fun in the Finale: Giants close home stand with a win over the Padres

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By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–The Giants welcomed back an important guy to the roster after his surgery and recovery took a full year. They could have lost another guy nicked up in Wednesday’s game, but thankfully didn’t. And despite frustrating news regarding two other guys and their injuries, the team pounced on the Padres, 9-4.

That’s a tough existence, but one that only a resurgent group from San Francisco could appreciate. After surviving a brutal, season-beginning schedule, and dealing with numerous injuries to key performers, the Giants can point to a winning record with pride. Manager Bruce Bochy saw the significance, knowing his team could have struggled and disappeared.

“We could have gotten buried,” Bochy said. “It could have easily gotten away from us. But we played with a lot of heart.”

Narrow, late inning wins. The return of a power component to the offense. A pitching rotation ripped apart by injuries found credible stand-ins. And baseball’s toughest division didn’t swallow the Giants.

Now, after surviving April, the Giants take on May, starting with a road trip against three teams with unexpected, winning records. Like the Giants, little was expected of the Phillies, Braves and Pirates. Now, all four will see if they can continue their winning ways. For that matter, ten National League clubs currently have winning records, and two that don’t–the Dodgers and Nationals–won division titles in 2017. So something has to shake out.

So far, the Giants are in the mix. And people like Derek Holland, Will Smith and Nick Hundley–Wednesday’s heroes–are the reason.

Holland got the start, throwing five innings to earn his first win as a Giant, in his sixth start. Holland had a difficult inning in the third, but escaped when Eric Hosmer was thrown out at third trying to stretch his two-run double into a triple. Holland allowed one other run in the fifth, but the Giants had gifted the former Rangers pitcher with a 7-2 cushion at that point.

Five Giant relievers followed, including Will Smith, in his first appearance since the 2016 NLDS. Smith entered to applause and retired the Padres in the seventh, three in a row after issuing an inning-beginning walk.

Hundley was the unquestioned star in the series-deciding win, clubbing a home run in the fourth off losing pitcher Clayton Richard, and adding two doubles and a single in his 4 for 5 afternoon.

Austin Jackson, Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt each contributed two hits to the Giants 14-hit attack.

Andrew McCutchen got plunked in the elbow by a Richard pitch in the third, and left the game for precautionary reasons. But McCutchen checked out during in-game tests, and could return to the starting lineup on Friday.

The Giants didn’t get encouraging news regarding Johnny Cueto and Joe Panik this week in the injury report. Cueto landed on the disabled list for the second time this season. Panik is now expected to miss more than the six to eight weeks that was part of his original assessment.

The Giants open their 10-game trip in Atlanta, Friday night with Chris Stratton getting the starting assignment.

 

 

Hosmer’s 9th inning HR lifts Padres to 3-2 win over Giants

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Photo credit: @NBCSGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–Eric Hosmer definitely remembers AT&T Park from playing here in the 2014 World Series for the Kansas City Royals, and he got a little redemption Monday night.

Hosmer hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning off of Hunter Strickland with two outs, as the San Diego Padres defeated the San Francisco Giants 3-2 before a crowd of 36,735 at AT&T Park.

It was the only hit or runner that Strickland allowed in his only inning of work.

With the victory, the Padres evened up the three-game series and the win went Kirby Yates, and the save went to Brad Hand, who was unfortunate losing pitcher on Monday night after he allowed two runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning

This loss by the Giants was a double whammy, as it was discovered before the game that right-hander Johnny Cueto was placed on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to Sunday with inflammation in his right elbow.

“Obviously not good news, when you have to put him on the DL,” said Bruce Bochy, who added, “Bum (Madison Bumgarner) and now him.”

Unfortunately, former Oakland A’s pitcher and Oakland native Tyson Ross did not fare in the decision.

Ross, who went to Bishop O’ Dowd High School in Oakland, went six innings, allowing just one run on four hits, while walking three and striking out nine.

It was also a tough no decision for Andrew Suarez, who went seven innings, allowing just two runs, while scattering four hits, walking just one and striking out five.

“Did a real nice job for us to win,” said Bochy.

Suarez was helped by the Giants defense, as the Giants turned three double plays and they all were started by Alen Hansen.

Christian Villanueva gave the Padres a 1-0 in the top of the first inning, as he hit a solo home run off of Suarez.

“I left the ball up to Villanueva,” said Suarez.

The Padres tacked on another run in the top of the fourth, as Hosmer hit a triple to right-center field and then scored on a Jose Pirela groundout to second base.

Hansen scored the Giants first run of the evening in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Hansen singled to lead off the inning, stole second and then scored on an Andrew McCutchen single.

The Giants tied up the game in dramatic fashion, as after they were two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, the rally began with a Gregor Blanco double down the right field line just out of the reach of Hosmer at first base.

Blanco then went to third on a wild pitch by Craig Stammen, which came on ball four to Andrew McCutchen. Buster Posey then tied up the game, as he hit a double to right field that easily scored Blanco from third base.

NOTES: Derek Holland looks to close out the home stand on a winning note, as he will take the mound against the Padres left-hander Clayton Richard.

Will Smith, who missed all of the 2017 season after Tommy John surgery, appeared in what could have been his last rehab assignment for triple-A Sacramento on Sunday. Smith pitched a scoreless inning

Hunter Pence, who is currently on the disabled list with a right thumb sprain began his rehab assignment on Friday night with Sacramento and is 3-for-12 with four runs scored and a walk in three games.

The Padres became just the 22nd time in major league history to have at least 30 plate appearances in a win, and no runners left on base (Since 1908), this according to Baseball Reference).

UP NEXT: The Giants and Padres close out their series at AT&T Park Tuesday afternoon at 12:45 pm PT.

Hundley to the rescue: Giants overcome two-run, ninth inning deficit to shock the Padres

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By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–Nick Hundley anticipated batting with the bases loaded, two outs, and an opportunity to win Monday’s game.

He also knew manager Bruce Bochy would have few, palatable options beyond him if the game remained tied after the ninth inning.

And Hundley surmised these two scenarios before the inning began with the Giants facing an intimidating 5-3 deficit.

But if you’re a thoroughly invested, major leaguer being paid millions, what’s surprising about a little foresight if you have three hours of otherwise, idle time?

In Hundley’s case, not much.

“Just quick University of Arizona math on my part,” Hundley said.

The backup catcher’s pinch-hit single up the middle plated Buster Posey and Evan Longoria, and the Giants gained a 6-5 win over the Padres of weighty significance.

With a record of 15-14 the Giants are over .500 for the first time this season, and they have their first, full month of winning baseball in almost two years.

It appears the Giants are shedding that loosely defined label as MLB’s worst team based on their won-loss record since July 2016 when their issues arose. Simply, the NL West hopefuls have a nice set of gritty, late-inning wins already this season, and now they have a winning record, and second place in the division as well.

“It’s just great to see the guys fight all game and not quit,” said starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija.

The fight throughout the game couldn’t be minimized with the Giants scoring three times in the first, then going scoreless over the next seven frames as the Padres rallied, wearing down Samardzija, as they gained a 5-3 lead.

Longoria would commit two, uncharacteristic errors–the first a grounder that found its way through the third baseman’s legs in San Diego’s three-run sixth. But with the game in the balance, Longoria singled off closer Brad Hand, scoring Austin Slater, to narrow the deficit to 5-4. Brandon Belt, in a lefty versus lefty matchup, battled and drew a walk to load the bases. Hundley followed with his game-winning base hit, scoring Buster Posey and Longoria.

“We had some really long at-bats, and I’m sure that caught up with him,” Bochy said, explaining the tenor of the inning against a reliever in Hand that had plenty of previous success facing the Giants.

“I just didn’t shut them down. I didn’t have it today,” Hand revealed.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Morris Phillips: Giants try to keep it going tonight against Padres; Giants start Samardzija, who’s been struggling

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photo from the sandiegounion.com: Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley, left, heads back to the dugout after conferring with starting pitcher Eric Lauer in the first inning Tuesday night at Coors Field.

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Joe Panik is out with a thumb injury and will need surgery and will be out for 10 days maybe longer, according to the Giants’ medical staff.

#2 Evan Longoria’s home run helps San Francisco get a 4-2 win past the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday 4-2. It was Longoria’s sixth home run of the season.

#3 Pitcher Ty Blach got his second win, going six innings, six hits, two runs and four strikeouts.

#4 The Giants take three out four from the Dodgers and pick up their third straight series victory.

#5 The Giants open up a three game series tonight against Padres starter Eric Lauer (0-0) and Giants starer Jeff Samardjiza (1-1).

Morris Phillips does the Giants podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Longoria helps Giants clinch series with three-run jack in 4-2 win over Dodgers

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Photo credit: @MLBONFOX

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–Evan Longoria is learning fast what the rivalry between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers means.

Longoria smashed a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning, as the Giants defeated the Dodgers 4-2 before a sellout crowd of 42,020 at AT&T Park Sunday. The Giants won three out of four in the series.

This was the third consecutive series that the Giants have won, and it was the first time that they have won three series in a row since May 11-21 of last season, when they won series against the Cincinnati Reds, the Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals.

With the victory over the Dodgers, the Giants are now 6-4 versus them this season and the two teams will not face each other until June 15-17at Dodger Stadium. This is the Dodgers last appearance at AT&T Park until the last three games of the season from September 28-30.

The Longoria home run was his sixth home run of the season, and his second of the series, as he hit one on Friday night.

“Monkey off my back with that hit yesterday,” said Longoria.

Buster Posey, who doubled with two outs got the rally started, then Brandon Belt walked and then Longoria put a Kenta Maeda pitch into the left-center field bleachers.

“What a great two-out double, then a walk and a three-run homer,” said Bruce Bochy.

Ty Blach pitched a fantastic game, as he went six innings, allowing two runs on six hits, walked just one and struck out four on his way to his second win of the season.

Earlier in the week, Blach, who suffered a case of food poisoning on the last road trip, where he lost eight or nine pounds, “Felt better today,” said Blach.

Brandon Belt added a run-scoring double in the bottom of the third inning, as he drove in Posey, who walked just in front of Belt.

Maeda also went six innings for the Dodgers, as he gave up four runs on five hits, walking four and striking out three and saw his record fall to 2-2 on the season.

Brandon Crawford made the defensive play of the game, as he made a diving catch on a hit by Kyle Farmer and was able to double up Cody Bellinger at second base for the third out of the inning.

The Dodgers cut the Giants lead in half in the top of the seventh inning, as Joc Pederson drove in Max Muncy, who pinch hit for Cody Bellinger.

Hunter Strickland pitched a perfect ninth inning to notch his seventh save of the season, as he picked up two saves in the series.

NOTES: Jeff Samardzija will look for his second win of the season, as he takes the ball in the opener against the San Diego Padres on Monday night, as they will send left-hander Eric Lauer to the mound, as he looks for his first win.

Reliever Will Smith, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery is currently with Triple-A Sacramento and has appeared in five games, going 4.2 scoreless innings, allowing one hit with seven strikeouts. Hunter Pence, who is out with a sprained right thumb began his rehab assignment on Friday night and is 1-for-8 with a hit by a pitch in two games in Sacramento.

This was the 10th time this season that the Giants and Dodgers have played so far in 2018, which marks just the second time in major league history that two teams have faced each other 10 times before the end of April. The Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays did it in 2003. They are three different sets of teams are doing it this month, the Padres and the Colorado Rockies, the Rays and Boston Red Sox and the Dodgers and Giants.

Cueto and Jackson help Giants salvage split in doubleheader with 8-3 win over Dodgers

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Photo credit: @SFGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–After getting demolished in the first game of the day-night doubleheader, the San Francisco Giants came back with vengeance in the nightcap.

Johnny Cueto went six innings, allowing two runs on three hits, walking two and striking out three and the Giants took Game 2 of the day-night doubleheader over the Los Angeles Dodgers by the final score of 8-3 before a crowd of 40,608 at AT&T Park.

Cueto got off to a rocky start, as Chris Taylor hit a double to leadoff the game and then Corey Seager hit a line drive home run onto the arcade to give the Dodgers a quick 2-0 lead. Yasmani Grandal then hit a single, and then after a Cody Bellinger fly out for the first out, Chase Utley reached on a fielders’ choice and he would be the last runner to reach base until Alex Verdugo walked to lead off the fifth inning.

All in all, after the Utley fielders’ choice, Cueto retired the next 10 batters. Verdugo and Kyle Farmer both walked in the fifth inning, but Cueto was able to get out of the jam.

Austin Jackson came up with the biggest hit of his short Giants career, as he hit a bases clearing double in the bottom of the fifth inning that gave the Giants the lead for good.

After an Evan Longoria fly out to start the inning, Brandon Belt continued his hot streak, as he singled, then both Kelby Tomlinson and Brandon Crawford each singled to load the bases before Jackson’s long double that cleared the bases.

Belt picked up his second hit of the night in the bottom of the sixth inning, as his base hit scored McCutchen, who walked to lead off the inning.

After the Dodgers got within one run in the top of the seventh inning, when Austin Barnes grounded into a double play that scored Pederson from third base, that would be the last of the scoring of the evening for the Dodgers.

The Giants blew the game wide open in the bottom of the seventh inning, as Longoria hit a two-run double that sent Buster Posey to third base. Following an intentional walk to Belt, the strategy backfired, as Kelby Tomlinson hit a JT Chargois offering up the middle to score both Posey and Longoria.

D.J. Snelten made his major league debut in the top of the eighth inning, and like Pablo Sandoval in the first game, Snelten retired the Dodgers in order.

Snelten pitched into the ninth inning, as he was able to help out a bullpen that threw a lot during the first game, especially Roberto Gomez and Derek Law. Hunter Strickland mopped it up and the Giants got their split.

The Giants will conclude the rivalry series against the Dodgers with Game 4 at 2:05 pm PT on Sunday afternoon.

Sacramento River Cats Report: April 28, 2018

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River Cats

by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. A Triple-A team serves two purposes for a major league franchise:

  1. It is the place where the major team stashes its backup players they may need if injuries or poor performance require an immediate roster change without having to make a trade or having to go to the waiver wire.
  2. Triple-A is the highest rung on the minor league ladder. It is where the final determinations are made whether a player can or cannot make it in “the show”. Being promoted to Triple-A is no guarantee of making a major league roster before your career is over. Triple-A can also be the end of a very long road for a player.

PCL

The River Cats play in the Pacific Coast League Pacific Northern Divison along with the Fresno Grizzlies (Astros), Tacoma Rainiers (Mariners) and Reno Aces (D-Backs). There are four divisions and 16 teams in the PCL. The other Triple-A association is the International League which is comprised of 14 teams.

The Pacific Coast League has traditionally been known for high batting averages and inflated Earned Run Averages. This is due in part to the fact that many of the teams play at higher altitudes or in weather conditions where the ball tends to carry farther. Player personnel directors have always had to hope that pitchers ERA’s would improve over their Triple-A stats and expect that hitters batting averages would be at least 50 to 100-points less in the majors than they were in the PCL.

The Giants called up three players from Sacramento on Saturday. Because of the doubleheader on Saturday, San Francisco was able to expand the roster to 26 for Saturday only. RHP Derek Law from the River Cats was called up to cover that special spot.

The Giants had to place second baseman Joe Panik on the 10-day disabled list due to a left thumb strain. San Francisco selected the contract of Alen Hanson from Sacramento to take Panik’s place on the roster.

Right fielder Mac Williamson has been put on the seven-day disabled list because of a possible concussion. River Cats outfielder Austin Slater received the temporary promotion to the MLB.

Sacramento can also be a rehab location

Pence
Hunter Pence in SacTown Photo: @RiverCats

Giants outfielder Hunter Pence went on the 10-day disabled list on April 20 with a right thumb sprain. Pence was batting just .172 when he went on the DL, but the Giants would certainly be happy to have a player with his experience and leadership ability back with the club as soon as possible because Pence will not stay below the “Mendoza Line” much longer.

Pence played in Sacramento on Friday night on a rehab assignment. He played in right field and went 0-3 at the plate striking out twice but Pence did score the first run of the game for the River Cats. Pence reached first base on a throwing error in the bottom of the first inning and ultimately came home to score. Sacramento won the game downing Reno 6-4. It was the River Cats third consecutive win.

River Cats current situation

Sacramento is 10-11 so far in the month of April and is in third-place in the PCL Pacific North. They are 4.5 games back of division-leading Fresno. The River Cats are 5-4 at home and 5-7 on the road. They are 5-5 in their last 10-games and have won three games in a row.

It is important to keep in mind that winning games, divisions and league championships is not the number goal for a Triple-A franchise. The number one goal is player development followed closely by keeping backup players for the “big club” in shape and ready to go at a moments notice.

The Giants would we very happy to see the River Cats fighting for the PCL championship because it would mean their prospects are playing great baseball and their backup players are not needed in the majors because the major league stars are not getting injured. That is a perfect scenario that seldom exists as the Giants have already demonstrated this season.

Who to watch in Sacramento

The key prospects to watch in SAC are:

  • OF/1B – Chris Shaw – he is not on the 40-man roster. Currently, Shaw is playing left field which makes sense with Brandon Belt having a career year at first base. He is batting .247 with an on-base percentage of .310. Shaw has hit five home runs and has posted 15 RBI in 19 games. He is rated the number two prospect in the Giants minor league system.
  • OF – Steven Duggar – another player who is not on the 40-man roster. Duggar is playing outfield and leading off for the River Cats. He is currently hitting .274 with a .354 on-base percentage. Duggar has walked nine times and has three steals. He has one home run, six RBI and has scored 14 runs in 18 games. Duggar is the number three rated Giants minor league player.
  • RHP – Tyler Beede – this player is on the Giants 40-man roster. Maybe no other minor league player in the Giants system has been talked more about than Beede. Drafted in the first-round in 2014, Giants fans have been expecting him to join the starting rotation almost every year. There was much anticipation that Beede might be brought up last season but control issues and a season-ending groin injury put that idea to an end. He did make two starts this season for San Francisco recording a no-decision in the first start and a loss in the second start. Beede is 1-1 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts with the River Cats since being sent back to Triple-A. He is ranked the number four best prospect in the system.
Beede
Tyler Beede Photo: @RiverCats
  • OF – Austin Slater – has been called up to the Giants because Pence and Williamson are on the DL. In 14 games with the River Cats, Slater was hitting .358 with a .435 OBP. He posted one home run, eight doubles, and 13 RBI. Slater scored 13 runs. He is rated the number five player in the system.
  • LHP – Andrew Suarez – he is a member of the 40-man roster. Suarez did get a start with the Giants vs Arizona and was hung with the loss. He has made three starts for SAC and has a 2-0 record with a 1.08 ERA. Suarez has struck out 16 hitters, walked 7 and has a WHIP of 1.02. He listed as the number 10 prospect. Keep your eye on this pitcher.
Saurez
Andrew Suarez Photo: @RiverCats
  • LHP – D.J. Snelten – another member of the 40-man roster. This 6-foot-6 lefty is making the transition to becoming a reliever. Snelten has made six appearances for Sacramento and has a record of 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA in 9.0 innings of work. He has allowed just six hits (no home runs), walked five, struck out seven with a 1.22 WHIP. He is listed as the 27th best minor league player in the Giants system.

There will be many moves to come

With April just coming to a close, there are many more moves involving the Sacramento River Cats to made during the 2018 season. More players will travel west to San Francisco. Some players will travel east to SAC. Other player players will get promoted from Richmond and will go from being a Flying Squirrel to being a River Cat.

Watch for weekly updates, special features, and updates as needed as Sports Radio Service keeps you informed on the happenings down on the farm in Sacramento.

Stratton shells, Sandoval pitches in Giants’ 15-6 loss to Dodgers in Game 1 of doubleheader

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Photo credit: @SFGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–Everyone knew on both the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers that this was going to be a long day.

Chris Stratton lasted just 1.1 innings, allowing six runs on six hits, walking four and striking out three and the Dodgers took Game 1 of the doubleheader with a 15-6 victory over the Giants before a sellout crowd of 41,809 at AT&T Park.

The Dodgers got to Stratton for three runs in the first two innings, and he was replaced by Roberto Gomez after allowing a triple to Joc Pederson that made the score 6-2 Dodgers with one out in the inning.

Gomez went 3.1 innings, allowing three runs on six hits, walking one and striking out two, before giving way to Derek Law, who pitched three innings, allowing six runs on eight hits and the Dodgers extended the lead to 12-2 at the end of the sixth inning.

Cory Gearrin pitched one-third of an inning, but the story of the day was the last pitcher that went to the mound for the Giants in the top of the ninth inning.

Pablo Sandoval, who started the game at third base for the Giants pitched the ninth inning and on 13 pitches, he got the Dodgers to ground out all three times. It was only in the game that the Dodgers were retired in order on the afternoon.

“Felt good, my first time being a pitcher,” said Sandoval.

Alec Hanson made his Giants debut, a memorable one, as he took a Pedro Baez offering and planted it on the arcade near the third archway in right-center field, a home run that measured at 405 feet.

“I was planning on going shopping with my wife this morning, but I got the call,” said Hanson.

Hanson was added to the roster this morning after the Giants were forced to place Joe Panik on the 10-day disabled list with a sprained left thumb.

The Panik move was not the only one by the Giants, as Mac Williamson was placed on the 7-day concussion disabled list, Stratton was reinstated from the Paternity List, Law was designated as the 26thman. Austin Slater, who was optioned after last night’s game was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento.

To make room for Hanson on the 40-man roster, Mark Melancon was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Giants’ 4-run seventh inning helps them down Dodgers 6-4

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Photo credit: @SFGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–You never know what you are going to see in a game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers, and this game was the epitome of that statement.

Pedro Baez committed a balk when he tripped on the mound that allowed Gorkys Hernandez to score from third base, as the Giants came back from a 4-2 deficit to defeat the Dodgers 6-4 in the opener of the four-game series before a sellout crowd of 41,936 at AT&T Park Friday night.

Hyun-Jin Ryu helped out his own cause, as he drove in two with a two-run double down the left field line.

Yasmani Grandal cut the Giants lead in half, as he doubled in Matt Kemp, who walked just prior to the Grandal double.

After a Cody Bellinger walk, Yaisel Puig tied up the game with a double down the left field line and it looked like Bellinger was going to score; however, a fan down the line touched the ball and Bellinger was forced to stay at third base.

Kyle Farmer then struck out for the first out of the inning, and then Ryu took a Holland pitch down the left field line to score both Bellinger and Puig.

Ryu went 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on four hits, not walking a batter and struck out seven; however, he did not fare in the decision.

It was a different story for Holland, who was pulled after the Ryu double. Holland went 3.1 innings, allowing four runs on four hits, walking four and striking out four. Like Ryu, he did not fare in the decision.

Things looked for the Giants after they took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning, as Evan Longoria hit a long solo home run to straightaway centerfield and then three batters later, Brandon Crawford deposited a Ryu offering onto the arcade.

Brandon Belt extended his hitting streak up to nine games, as he legged out an infield single in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Belt went to second on a Tony Cingrani wild pitch, but was then thrown out at third base by Kike Hernandez, who threw to Kyle Farmer for the first out of the inning.

Crawford then walked, and then Hernandez got the Giants within one run, when he singled in Austin Jackson.

Tomlinson then took a Cingrani offering and doubled into left field to tie up the game, and then most bizarre play of the night took place, when Baez fell off the mound, for a balk to give the Giants the lead for good.

Joe Panik then extended the lead up to 6-4, as he hit a sacrifice fly to score Tomilnson from third base.

Former Dodgers reliever Tony Watson came on in the top of the eighth, and despite giving up two hits that put runners on first and second with one out, he was able to get out of the jam, when both Chris Taylor and Austin Barnes flew out to Hernandez for the last two outs of the inning.

NOTES: Chris Stratton will take the mound in the first game of a day-night doubleheader on Saturday afternoon, while the Dodgers have not decided on a starter.

Stratton became a father on Wednesday night at 11:53, as his wife Martha Kate gave birth to a daughter named Mary Bennett and she weighed in at eight pounds, four ounces and 20 inches long.

Johnny Cueto will take the mound in the second game, as he looks to improve to 3-0 on the season, while Alex Wood will go for the Dodgers, as he still looks for his first win of the season.

This is the first doubleheader between the Giants and Dodgers since September 27, 2003, where the Giants and Dodgers split the twin bill at AT&T Park.

Mac Williamson, who crashed into the wall near the Giants bullpen in the game on Tuesday night against the Washington Nationals was placed in the concussion protocol.

The Giants improved to 10-3 on the season, when they score first.

UP NEXT: The Giants play a doubleheader Saturday with Game 2 at 1:05 pm PT and Game 3 at 7:05 pm PT.