Tag: Washington Nationals

San Francisco Giants Bryce Eldridge (8) connects for a ninth inning walk off grad slam against catcher Keibert Ruiz and the Washington Nationals at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Jun 10, 2026 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Washington Nationals 10 (35-34)

San Francisco Giants 11 (28-41)

Win: Reiver Sanmartin (1-0)

Loss: Mitchell Parker (2-3)

Time: 3:02

Attendance: 32,459

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–I still cannot believe it, but the Giants just completed a comeback for the ages, as they came all the way back from down 9-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning with back-to-back five-run innings to beat the Nationals 11-10 on a walk-off grand slam by Bryce Eldridge, who just became the youngest player to hit a walk-off grand slam in Baseball History.

The Giants showed some signs of life on the road, as they won four of five to end their three-city trip. However, a devastating loss in the opener of this three-game series against the Nationals on Monday night seemed to deflate this team.

The Nationals beat the Giants 6-3 last night, and today was more of the same. The Giants’ offense was still mostly stuck in home run mode after their 18-run outburst with the wind blowing out at Wrigley Field on Friday, and really couldn’t muster much against Nationals’ starter Foster Griffin.

James Wood hit a two-run opposite-field home run to left-center field in the top of the third off Robbie Ray. Ray was solid for the most part through his first five innings. However, after Ray retired the first two men he faced in the top of the sixth, the Nationals put together a two-out rally, and scored four runs to open their lead to 6-0.

Well, that was certainly it. Matt Chapman put the Giants on the board in the bottom of the sixth, and then the Nationals scored three more runs off Carson Symour to make it a laugher at 9-1.

The Giants were going to be swept by a young and upstart Nationals’ team that is much further along in their rebuild, and they were going to be 15 games under .500. I just wanted it to end quickly.

Matt Chapman led off the bottom of the eighth with his second home run of the game, this one off Paxton Schultz. When he got back to the dugout, he started telling his teammates and coaches, “stranger things have happened.” Yeah, dream on.

Rafael Devers then followed it up to make it back-to-back home runs, and cut the deficit to 9-3. It was far too late for back-to-back home runs to matter for the Giants.

Or at least it seemed that way. The Giants kept chipping away. They put together a rally, and scored three more runs to suddenly make it 9-6 and tease us.

The Giants were back in it going to the ninth. Reiver Sanmartin had been called up this morning, and made his Giants’ debut with a 1-2-3 top of the eighth. Sanmartin was back out for the ninth, but he surrendered a leadoff home run to Curtis Mead, which made it 10-6.

To be honest, I still thought there was no way the Giants would actually come back to win this game. Gus Varland came in for the bottom of the ninth. Luis Arraez and Matt Chapman led off the inning with back-to-back doubles, and it was 10-7. The Giants just had to tease us. Devers quickly fell behind 0-2, but he worked a walk, and Blake Butera pulled Varland for the lefty, Mitchell Parker.

Parker would face back-to-back left-handed hitters in Jung Hoo Lee and Bryce Eldridge. Lee grounded a single the other way to left. Third Base Coach Gary Pettis held Chapman up at third, and the bases were loaded for the Giants’ young phenom, Bryce Eldridge, who came up as the potential winning run.

Now, I really felt teased. Eldridge was looking for his signature coming out moment. He had struck out to end Monday night’s game, and had thought a lot over the last two days about getting another chance.

Eldridge took two pitches to jump ahead in the count 2-0. He then hit a towering fly ball to right. It looked too high to be anything significant, and I thought at best, it would be a sacrifice fly. However, as Dylan Crews kept drifting back, it looked like something special could happen. Perhaps, it would hit off the wall, and the game would be tied. The ball kept carrying. Once it hit the green tin atop the 24-foot-high Willie Mays Wall in right, Eldridge threw his bat in the air, and those of the 32,459 who remained here at Oracle Park completely lost it.

In just a matter of, maybe 30-to-45 minutes, the Giants had done the impossible. They came all the way back, and won it 11-10.

I don’t know what else to say at this point, it was one of the most insane games I ever had the pleasure of being at. Chappy said it, stranger things have happened. Come October when the Giants are in the playoffs, we will all look back at this game and……FORGET IT!!!!!!!! Hey, stranger things have happened!

I want to give a major shoutout to Reiver Sanmartin, who stepped up to not only save the Giants’ bullpen, but keep the Giants in a position to come back. Sanmartin was rewarded with the win in his Giants’ debut. Mitchell Parker took the loss.

The Giants improve to 28-41, and will have a much-needed day off Thursday. Then, the Cubs will come to Oracle Park for a three game series starting Friday night.

First pitch will be at 7:15 p.m.

In the vibrant center of downtown San Francisco, Hotel Nikko offers a serene retreat defined by calm, understated luxury and the thoughtful precision of Japanese-inspired service. Each detail is designed to create a restorative experience where modern comfort and wellness come together effortlessly.

Guests are welcomed into spacious, contemporary rooms that blend clean design with subtle Japanese influences and intuitive, tech-enabled amenities. Throughout the hotel, a sense of tranquility is balanced with engaging, on-site experiences that elevate every stay.

At the top of the hotel, a glass-enclosed indoor pool offers a peaceful escape above the city an inviting space to unwind or, during the summer months, transform into a lively “dive-in” movie experience. Every Friday and Saturday night, families can enjoy classic kids’ films poolside, creating memorable moments in a truly unique setting.

Dining at Hotel Nikko is equally distinctive. ANZU Restaurant is home to San Francisco’s only Japanese breakfast buffet, offering an authentic and refined start to the day. In the evening,

Kanpai Sushi Lounge delivers an experiential dining atmosphere where craftsmanship and flavor meet in a sophisticated setting.

For entertainment, Feinstein’s at the Nikko brings world-class live music and cabaret performances directly to the hotel, offering an intimate and vibrant nightlife experience without ever leaving the property.

Located at 222 Mason Street near Union Square, Hotel Nikko places guests steps away from the city’s premier shopping, dining, and cultural attractions while offering a peaceful sanctuary to return to.

The Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia Jr. watches his two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (AP Photo/ Jed Jacobson)

By Ryan Hannagan

San Francisco — The San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals faced off for game-two of a three-game series Tuesday night at Oracle Park. Following a loss off a 9th inning comeback by the Nationals in game one, the Giants looked to even up the series and get back in the win column.

Right-hander Adrian Houser was given the nod on the mound for the Giants. Houser came in with a 2-5 record and a 5.49 ERA through 13 games. On the other end, the Nationals went with rookie left-handed pitcher Andrew Alvarez. The 26 year old came into Tuesday’s contest with a 1-0 record and 3.54 ERA through seven games played on the season.  

The Nationals wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Luis García Jr. launched a two-run homer to right field just two batters into the game, bringing home Wood and giving Washington an early lead. After the home run, Houser would exit the inning unharmed, but the Giants had to start their first at-bats behind. 

After a scoreless first inning from the Giants, the score remained 2-0 through the second, third and fourth. Although San Francisco was held scoreless in the third, outfielder Jung Hoo Lee extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a two-out single. The 17-game streak is a career high for Lee and currently stands as the longest active hitting streak in the majors.

Houser was back out to start the fifth, but after recording one out and allowing a Jacob Young triple, manager Tony Vitello went to the bullpen. Vitello resorted to 29-year-old left-hander Sam Hentegs. James Wood faced Hentegs out of the bullpen and immediately split a single through Chapman and Adames to score Young from third. Hentegs was able to hold the Nationals from further offense, keeping the score 3-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth.

The Giants answered with offense of their own in the bottom half. After walking Devers and allowing a single off the bat of Luis Arraez, Alvarez’s night was over. Going to the bullpen, Nationals manager Blake Butera turned to lefty reliever Brad Lord. The first batter Lord faced, Jung Hoo Lee, knocked home Devers and Arraez with a double. The score was 3-2. Devers and Arraez were the only Giants runs to score in the fifth, as Lord finished the rest of the inning unharmed. 

The sixth inning went by quietly, both teams going down scoreless. The Nationals added two more runs in the top of the seventh. Jacob Young scored on a bases-loaded wild pitch, and with the bases still loaded, Daylen Lile drew a walk to force in James Wood. The score had moved to 5-2 Nationals.

The eighth featured no offense on either side. Come the ninth, both teams added a run to their total. For the Nationals, CJ Abrams reached on a throwing error by third-baseman Matt Chapman, to then be brought home by a Daylen Lile triple. The Giants third run was a solo shot by rookie Bryce Eldrige with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Final score, Nationals win 6-3.

The Giants left 13 runners on base. This comes the night after leaving 12 on. The Nationals are heading into game three Wednesday up two games to zero looking to close out the sweep. As for the Giants, damage control will be the goal as they try to avoid being swept. Following Tuesday’s loss, the Giants moved to 27-41 on the season, losing seven of their last nine. Game three from Oracle Park is set for a 12:45 p.m first pitch Wednesday afternoon. 

Starting pitchers for Washington LHP Foster Griffin (7-2 ERA 3.63) for San Francisco LHP Robbie Ray (4-6, ERA 4.12).

In the vibrant center of downtown San Francisco, Hotel Nikko offers a serene retreat defined by calm, understated luxury and the thoughtful precision of Japanese-inspired service. Each detail is designed to create a restorative experience where modern comfort and wellness come together effortlessly.

Guests are welcomed into spacious, contemporary rooms that blend clean design with subtle Japanese influences and intuitive, tech-enabled amenities. Throughout the hotel, a sense of tranquility is balanced with engaging, on-site experiences that elevate every stay.

At the top of the hotel, a glass-enclosed indoor pool offers a peaceful escape above the city an inviting space to unwind or, during the summer months, transform into a lively “dive-in” movie experience. Every Friday and Saturday night, families can enjoy classic kids’ films poolside, creating memorable moments in a truly unique setting.

Dining at Hotel Nikko is equally distinctive. ANZU Restaurant is home to San Francisco’s only Japanese breakfast buffet, offering an authentic and refined start to the day. In the evening,

Kanpai Sushi Lounge delivers an experiential dining atmosphere where craftsmanship and flavor meet in a sophisticated setting.

For entertainment, Feinstein’s at the Nikko brings world-class live music and cabaret performances directly to the hotel, offering an intimate and vibrant nightlife experience without ever leaving the property.

Located at 222 Mason Street near Union Square, Hotel Nikko places guests steps away from the city’s premier shopping, dining, and cultural attractions while offering a peaceful sanctuary to return to.

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (right) steals second base as San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames leaps to field the ball in the top of the ninth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Mon Jun 8, 2026 (AP News photo)

Monday, June 8, 2026

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Washington Nationals 4 (34-33)

San Francisco Giants 2 (27-40)

Win: Clayton Beeter (2-1)

Loss: Keaton Winn (2-2)

Save: Gus Varland (5)

Time: 2:31

Attendance: 35,432

By Stephen Ruderman

A great start by Logan Webb was wasted, and for the sixth time this season, the Giants led in the ninth inning only to lose, as the Nationals tagged Keaton Winn for three runs in the top of the ninth en route to a 4-3 win Monday night.

The Giants looked to build on their momentum after winning four of their final five on their roadtrip, which ended with a nice series win in Chicago.

Logan Webb was lights out, and Tony Vitello let him go eight innings. Webb gave up just a run on five hits. He didn’t walk anyone, and he struck out seven. Webb has been nails in his last two starts, and it really does appear that his right knee bursitis was the main cause of his rough start to the season.

The Giants wasted a big opportunity off Nationals’ opener Richard Lovelady in the bottom of the first, and the offense was stymied for most of the night. However, after the Nationals got on the board against Webb in the top of the sixth, the Giants responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the sixth.

The Giants then played the way they were built to in the bottom of the eighth. Jung Hoo Lee led off the inning with a base-hit, and got to second on an errant pickoff throw by Clayton Beeter. Bryce Eldridge then doubled to give the Giants the lead.

With runners at second and third with two outs, Tony sent Jonah Cox to the plate, and put on the squeeze. Cox laid down a perfect bunt along the first base line, and Eldridge scored to make it 3-1. Eldridge and Cox shared an emotional hug in the dugout, and it really felt like this was going to be the Giants’ night.

Well, as good of a season as Keaton Winn has had, he has not been particularly great in the ninth. Winn blew the save in Denver on May 29, and then gave up the game-tying home run to Pete Crow-Armstrong at Wrigley on Saturday.

The Nationals got to Winn for three runs. Dylan Smith, who got the save Sunday night, then finished the inning.

The Giants had one more wasted opportunity in them for the bottom of the ninth. Rafael Devers worked a 1-2 count into a walk against Gus Varland to start the inning, but Luis Arraez suffered a rare strikeout. Willy Adames tried to hit a walk-off home run, but flew out to center. Lee just had to tease us with a base-hit to right to put runners at the corners for Eldridge. Eldridge struck out, and that was all she wrote.

There were some positives in this game. Logan Webb seems to be back, as he has given up just one run and six hits in his last two starts. Remember his last start came against the best and peskiest offenses in the Brewers in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Jung Hoo Lee not only extended his hitting streak to 16 games, but he went 4-for-5 to up his average to .333. Matt Chapman went 2-for-3, and is swinging the bat like his old self again. I also can’t forget Bryce Eldridge’s 2-for-5 night. It would have been 3-for-5 had it not been for a great catch by Dylan Crews in the bottom of the fourth.

Unfortunately, the bullpen once again blew a late lead. As I said in the lead, the Giants have now lost six games this season in which they led in the ninth inning.

I also can’t leave out the missed challenge two strikes to James Wood and two outs in the top of the sixth. Had the pitch been challenged, it would have been strike three to end the inning. However, Eric Haase was loath to challenge after the Giants lost a challenge in the bottom of the first. Well, Wood ended up scoring, and that proved to be the difference in the game.

The Giants are now 27-40. Going back to the Giants’ six losses after leading in the ninth, there is a massive difference between 33-34 and 27-40. Buster Posey’s failure to sign relief help has haunted the Giants yet again. Unfortunately, this will likely not be the final time this happens.

If anyone is interested, Clayton Beeter got the win, and Keaton Winn took his second loss in three games. Gus Varland picked up the save.

Adrian Houser (2-5 ERA 5.49) for San Francisco will go against Andrew Alvarez (1-0 ERA 3.54) for Washington Tuesday night. First pitch will be at 7:15 p.m.

San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman (26) beats out a throw at first base as the Washington Nationals first baseman Curtis Mead (center) waits for the late throw in the top of the third inning at Nationals Park in DC on Sun Apr 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants fell short in their bid for their first sweep of the season losing Sunday in game three 3-0. They did finish the game with eight hits but both teams at times looked sluggish after the marathon 12 inning game Saturday. The Nationals had seven hits in the game most of them in the seventh inning resulting in the three runs that won this ball game at Nationals Park.

Game wrap: It was a very shaky start for the Nationals in the opening inning. Luis Arraez reached first base on a fielding error. Rafael Devers hit a single and with two runners on base and two outs that was it for National’s pitcher PJ Poulin. After only 2/3 of an inning he was relieved by Miles Mikolas who got out of the inning. The Nationals got a hit in the bottom of the inning but that would be it going into the second inning.

Each team got a hit in the second inning but no runs through two innings. It was much the same in the third inning with each team having one hit, a lot of singles, but no runs. The Giants had a a couple of hits in the fourth inning with two runners on base but again no runs.

The Nationals went three and out in the bottom of the fourth. Washington had a couple of long balls that were just foul but the game remained scoreless. Perhaps the temperature and the winds had something to do with the decline in offense for both teams or possibly fatigue after Saturday’s game but these guys looked tired.

Andrew Alvarez would relieve Miles Mikolas mid-way through the fifth inning. He pitched through four innings allowing four hits, one walk with four strikeouts and no runs.

It was just a matter of time before one of these teams would get up on the scoreboard. Unfortunately for San Francisco it was the Nationals who took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning.

San Francisco had gone three and out in the top of the inning. The Nationals were about to turn this game around. Nasim Nunez bunted a single to start the bottom of the inning. Keibert Ruiz doubled Nunez home for a 1-0 game and Curtis Mead finished off the inning with a two run home run with Ruiz on base for a 3-0 lead.

The Giants Casey Schmitt doubled in the top of the sixth inning but did not score. The Nationals Joey Weimer also doubled but the Nats did not score and the game remained 3-0.

San Francisco had some work to do. In the early innings the Giants had some scoring opportunities but were unable to cash in. They were down to three innings left in the game to make a move.

Not much was going on for San Francisco in the top of the seventh inning. Patrick Bailey grounded out and Willy Adames struck out for the third time today and Luis Arraez ground out for a three and out going into the bottom of the seventh.

The Giants Robbie Ray was relieved after 93 pitches by Keaton Winn after going six innings. Ray finished allowing 7 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk and 7 strikeouts.

The Giants got something going in the eighth inning with two runners on base, Matt Chapman and Rafael Devers with no outs. Schmitt hit into a double play and Chapman moved on to third now with two outs. Jerar Encarnacion struck out for the third out and San Francisco missed a great scoring opportunity and now had a single inning left in the game. The Giant’s JT Brubaker would relieve Winn in the eighth inning. Winn had one strikeout easily getting out of the eighth inning.

San Francisco was now down to their last three outs going into the top of the ninth inning. Ramos had a monster hit to start the inning, deep to center for a double. Drew Gilbert popped out with Daniel Susac at the plate. Susac struck out and San Francisco was down to their last out. Adames was the Giants last hope to keep this game going. The Giants were 10-0 with runners on base. Adames grounded out and that was the ball game 3-0 in favor of the Nationals.

Game notes: The Giants took on the Nationals Sunday in game three of their series after an exciting marathon yesterday that went 12 innings on Saturday. The extra innings were full of drama with the Nationals loading the bases in the tenth with a chance to win the game but coming away empty in a 7-6 loss.

Both teams fought hard in this game Saturday with San Francisco coming away with the win. This has been a great series for Matt Chapman coming through with some key hits in the first two games. Heliot Ramos has also been a highlight going 3-5 Saturday.

For Sunday a threatening front passed over the field before the game and it turned into a beautiful yet very chilly Sunday. The temperature at first pitch was 54 degrees but felt more like 44 so fans and some of the players were bundled up for this one. As this game wore on the wind really became a factor as well.

The Giants finished this road trip 4-5 and now will head back to Oracle Park in San Francisco for a series with the Los Angeles that gets underway Tuesday.

The Dodgers come into this three game series the best team in baseball 15-6 despite loosing to the Colorado Rockies on Sunday 9-6. The Dodgers will start ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto in game one, he has a 2-1 win/loss record and a 2.10 ERA.

The Giants will feature Tyler Mahle on the hill. Mahle has a 0-3 win/loss record and a 7.23 ERA. First pitch for the opener in this series is scheduled for 6:45 PM PDT.

San Francisco Giants hitter Drew Gilbert swings for a single off Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli (not shown) for an RBI that scored Helliot Ramos (not shown) at Nationals Park in DC on Sat Apr 18, 2026 (AP news photo)

By Barbara Mason

It took the San Francisco Giants (9-12) 12 innings to win game two of their series with the Washington Nationals (9-12) by a 7-6 score. Each team had opportunities in the extra innings to win but it was the Giants who prevailed.Heliot Ramos had another amazing game as did the entire roster with nearly every player in the lineup with at least one hit, some of them with multiple hits. The Giants struggled to start the game but they fought back and finished the game with a win.

Game recap: Lead-off batter James Wood got the game going in favor of the Nationals hitting a solo home run in the first inning for the early 1-0 lead. That hit preempted an explosive second inning for both teams. San Francisco tied up the game in the top of the second inning coming away with three hits and one run.

Jung Hoo Lee singled, Heliot Ramos doubled, Gilbert singled Ramos home and we had a tie ball game. The Nationals had a crazy bottom of the second inning scoring four runs off of three hits taking a 5-1 lead. It was a rough inning for Giant starter Adrian Houser who not only gave up three hits but also a walk. He hit James Wood with the bases loaded so it was not his best outing so far in this game.

San Francisco had some catching up to do and they did just that in the top of the third inning scoring two runs on two hits . Luis Arraez singled and Casey Schmitt doubled driving in Matt Chapman who scored on a fielding error and Arraez. The Giants had cut the Nationals lead to 5-3. Washington came up empty in the bottom of the third inning.

Each team had a hit in the fifth inning but neither were able to score. With a bit of ground to make up, San Francisco made it happen scoring two runs in the top of the sixth tying up the game 5-5.

Ramos who hit a three run home run in Friday’s game came up huge hitting a two run home run with Lee on second base. San Francisco had new life after having trailed by four runs.

Going into the seventh inning San Francisco was looking to break the 5-5 tie. Willy Adames got the inning going with a single moving onto second base on a wild pitch. Rafal Devers singled driving Adames home and the Giants had the lead for the first time in the game 6-5. The Nationals had no hits, no runs in the bottom of the seventh.

Going into the bottom of the ninth inning the score remained 6-5 in favor of the Giants. San Francisco was one out away from winning this game. With two outs, Brady House singled Wood, (who had been intentionally walked) home and this game was again tied at 6-6.

Neither team was able to finish this game in the tenth inning, the Giants with no hits, no runs and the Nationals with one hit but no runs in the bottom of the inning. This game would go on into the 11th inning yielding nothing for either team, no runs and no hits.

San Francisco took the lead in the top of the 12th inning 7-6 in a marathon. Matt Chapman singled Arraez home from second base. Now the Giants would be looking for three outs and the win in game two.

The Nationals were threatening in the bottom of the inning with two runners on base but two outs. Abrams flied out, Young lined out and for a third time the Giants were one out away from the win. Could the third time be a charm for San Francisco?

Closer Caleb Killian struck out Daylen Lile for the third out and that was the ball game. The Giants had won the second game of the series and their third game in a row.

San Francisco’s Adrian Houser went 5 2/3 innings allowing seven hits, five runs, two walks and one strike out. Relief pitchers Ryan Borucki finished the sixth inning. Erik Miller finished the seventh, Matt Gage the eighth, Ryan Walker the ninth and tenth.

It was a great game for closer Caleb Kilian who pitched the 11th and 12th innings and came away with the victory. After the game he did say that he was still shaking. The bottom line is that he didn’t show his nerves, he got the job done and got the win for San Francisco.

Game notes: Friday the Giants won their series opener beating the Nationals. The Giants had an outstanding second inning scoring six runs setting the stage for the eventual win. Saturday San Francisco won game two of the series and their third game in a row.

It’s difficult to say who the player of the game was. Every player on the roster contributed to the win with Matt Chapman leading the pack with three hits and three RBIs. Heliot Ramos hit a three run homer along with Casey Schmitt and Drew Gilbert each hitting solo home runs on Friday night.

The Giants offense is cranking and they got more scoring seven runs just enough to edge the Nationals at Nationals Park in DC. San Francisco starter Adrian Houser went 5.2 innings giving up seven hits and four earned runs. For Washington’s starter Cade Cavalli four innings of work, seven hits and one earned run allowed and struck out five batters.

Sunday San Francisco will be going for the sweep in game three. Both teams could be emotionally and physically drained after Saturday’s game but they will be on an equal playing field. The only difference will be that it was the Giants who came away with the win in game two. Robbie Ray will take the mound for the Giants with a 2-2 win/loss record and a 2.42 ERA. Miles Mikolas has struggled with a 0-3 win/loss record and a 11.49 ERA. First pitch Sunday is scheduled for 10:35 AM PDT.

San Francisco Giants Heliot Ramos is thrilled after hitting a three run home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the top of the second inning at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati on Fri Apr 17, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (8-12) won the first game in their series with the Washington Nationals (9-11) 10-5. They scored multiple runs early in the second inning after leading after two innings 6-0. The offense everyone has been waiting to see finally revealed itself and it was great. Every single player in the lineup had at least one hit and Matt Chapman had 3 hits.

Game recap: The first inning was uneventful for both teams, the Giants Luis Arraez singled but that was it for the opening inning. The Nationals went three and out.

San Francisco got something really big going, more like an explosion, in the second inning. They strung out some hits with Casey Schmitt and Jung Hoo Lee both singling and then a big hit off the bat of Heliot Ramos for a three-run home run to center taking a 3-0 lead.

Daniel Susac singled but was thrown out trying to steal second base. With only one out, Drew Gilbert walked followed by a Willy Adames single. The Giants went back to work putting more runners on base. Luis Arraez grounded out and with two outs a Chapman single drove Gilbert and Adames home for a 5-0 lead.

San Francisco was not finished. Rafael Devers doubled and Chapman scored pushing the lead to 6-0 in favor of the Giants. A rough inning for the Nationals finally came to an end when Schmitt flied out but San Francisco had a huge inning already with six hits in the game. Starting pitcher for Washington Zack Littell gave up eight hits and six runs in the second inning.

Meanwhile Logan Webb worked his way through the second inning giving up a CJ Abrams single and then dismissed the next three at bats and this game went into the third inning. Webb was systematically working his way through the Washington lineup giving up very little.

San Francisco had scored a lot and they had scored early a huge edge going forward in the game but there was still a lot of baseball to be played. That aside what a great way to start a ball game for the Giants.

Littell had a vastly improved in the third inning, his best of the game with a three and out. The Nationals got something going in the bottom of the third, Jose Tena and Keibert Ruiz had back to back singles.

Top of the batting order for Washington James Wood came to the plate with no outs. Webb was in a bit of a jam but he did strike Wood out. The next at bat for the Nationals was a fielders choice ground out but Jose Tena scored for the first National run of the game.

With two outs there were two runners on base for Washington but Webb got the third out without giving up a lot. It had been a long inning for Webb; he already had a 55 pitch count going into the top of the fourth inning. San Francisco had given up the one run still leading 6-1.

The Giants got a great hit in the fourth inning from the bottom of the batting order. Drew Gilbert hit a solo home run, his first of the year, to right center, the second of the game for San Francisco.

Adames followed that home run up with a double. With Adames on third Chapman singled driving in another run for an 8-1 score.11 hits through four innings plus every player on the roster with at least a hit was probably the best game the team has played so far this season. Littell’s pitch count was really getting up there as well with 77 pitches though four innings.

The Nationals cut the Giants lead in the bottom of the fourth to 8-3 when Daviid Liles hit a 2-run home run with Joey Weimer on base. 79 pitches later Webb got out of the inning.

Littell was relieved in the fifth inning by Paxton Schultz. Littell allowed 11 hits, 8 runs, 1 walk, 2 home runs and 4 strikeouts.

The hits quieted down in the second half of the game for the Giants. San Francisco had one hit in the fifth inning, a Susac double but that would close out the inning. The Nationals went three and out in the inning and this game was moving along. It only took Webb five pitches to get out of the inning.

It was a three and out in the sixth inning for San Francisco. The Nationals were able to score in the bottom of the sixth. A Lile walk resulted in a fourth run for Washington when Tena singled him home for an 8-4 San Francisco lead.

The Giants extended their lead with a third home run in the top of the seventh inning 9-4. Schmitt hit a solo long ball 399 feet to left center. The Nationals would answer in the bottom of the inning when Wood blasted a Matt Gage pitch out of the park. Gage had relieved Webb after six innings. Webb finished with 7 hits, 4 runs 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. He allowed one home run.

Washington’s PJ Poulin relieved Schultz going into the eighth inning . Schultz had pitched for three innings for the Nationals. Schultz finished with 2 hits, 1 run, (a home run) and 1 strikeout. The Giants Caleb Kilian would take over for Gage in the eighth inning only giving up a walk and it was on to the ninth inning.

Richard Lovelady relieved Poulin in the ninth inning. The Giants threatened to bust this game wide open to finish. Lovelady gave up a single to Arraez, and a single to Chapman with no outs.

Lovelady went on to strike out Devers and Schmitt popped out for two outs. Lee walked loading the bases followed by a Ramos walk and Arraez scored. Getting that third out was a horrible struggle for Lovelady.

When all the dust had settled and the Nationals got that third out, the Giants were leading 10-5. It was only the one run scored but could have been a whole lot worse for Washington. Blade Tidwell closed out the game for the Giants winning game one 10-5.

Game notes: After breaking a four game losing streak Thursday beating the Reds 3-0, the Giants began a three-game weekend series with the Nationals at blustery Nationals Park Friday night. At the start of the game the winds were fairly calm and so wind was not be a factor in the game Friday night.

The Giants continued their winning streak with a convincing 10-5 win Friday night. Adames lead-off and Heliot Ramos batted seventh, Daniel Susac eighth and Drew Gilbert ninth. After Adames, Arraez, Chapman, Devers, Schmitt and Lee will fill in the roster.

The Giants had won the series opener. San Francisco finished the game with 15 hits and had won their second game in a row.

For Saturday’s game Adrian Houser will take the mound for the Giants in game two. Houser has an 0-2 win/loss record and a 5.06 ERA. Cade Cavalli will get the nod for the Nationals with a 0-1 win/loss record and a 4.60 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM PDT.