Giants Secure Series Victory Behind Late Heroics
· Yahoo Sports
Upon winning the series opener against the Athletics, the San Francisco Giants entered the second game of the three-game set looking to secure the series.
The Giants did exactly that, earning a 2-1 walk-off victory in the ninth inning. Erik Miller picked up the win as San Francisco clinched the series with a dramatic finish.
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San Francisco turned to Tyler Mahle, who has experienced his share of struggles this season. However, this outing was one of his more complete performances, particularly considering where he has been as a starter this year.
Mahle pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out four batters. He threw 70 pitches, 44 of which were strikes.
Although he did not factor into the decision, it was an encouraging bounce-back performance following his return from the Injured List. It was also a stronger outing than his previous start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 26, when he allowed three runs across five innings.
The game developed into a pitchers' duel as Athletics starter Gage Jump continued what has been an impressive rookie campaign. Jump worked five innings, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out nine batters. The Giants struggled to generate offense against him, managing just three hits during his time on the mound.
Because of those offensive struggles, opportunities were limited for San Francisco throughout the game. Entering the eighth inning, the Giants had gone 0-for-1 with runners in scoring position and had rarely threatened offensively.
The Giants bullpen continued to keep the game within reach. Sam Hentges relieved Mahle and recorded the final out of the sixth inning. Ryan Walker followed with a clean seventh inning before returning for the eighth. The Giants then turned to Dylan Smith.
It was Smith who surrendered the game's first run when Max Muncy hit a solo home run to center field. While Smith quickly recorded the first two outs of the inning, the Athletics were able to break through and take a 1-0 lead.
The Giants attempted to respond in the bottom of the eighth. Drew Gilbert led off the inning with a walk, and Jonah Cox followed with a sacrifice bunt that moved Gilbert into scoring position with one out.
It represented San Francisco's best scoring opportunity to that point, but the Giants were unable to capitalize and left the inning empty-handed.
Smith returned to begin the ninth inning but was removed after hitting the leadoff batter. Erik Miller entered and finished off the frame to keep the deficit at one run.
The Giants finally broke through in the bottom of the ninth. Rafael Devers tied the game with a home run before Victor Bericoto followed with a walk-off homer, giving San Francisco a 2-1 victory and securing the series win.
The Giants will conclude the series against the Athletics on Thursday. Landen Roupp (5-7, 4.15 ERA) is scheduled to start for San Francisco, while left-hander Jeffrey Springs (3-7, 5.55 ERA) is expected to take the mound for the Athletics.
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