1st inning: 11-7

PHI 6  SF 5

The Giants had a real shot to win today but this time the Phillies fought back in the late innings and avoided a series sweep. Anthony DeSclafani was not sharp early and left after four frames down 3-0. The Giants rallied for four in the 7th, down 4-1 at the time, but the 5-4 lead quickly evaporated on a Bryce Harper homer. He also got on and scored the game-winner in the 9th. Darin Ruf had a pinch-hit three run homer in that big 7th inning, that’s the fifth pinch-homer by the club this year. Camilo Doval was victimized by the Harper blast but there’s no shame in getting beat by one of the best hitters in the game. The outcome was disappointing but once again the Giants showed their ability to fight back. Overall it was a good road trip as they split the six games in Miami and Philadelphia.

The first 18 games marks 1/9 of the 162-game season. The Giants put up an 11-7 record in their first 2021 seasonal inning and find themselves in second place in the NL West, just ahead of the Padres. It’s the team’s best start since the 2013 season. That season unfortunately did not end well as the Giants finished 76-86 after going 18-34 in June and July. It does remind us, however, that anything can happen. But we also know how hard it is for teams to recover from poor play early in the season so it is exciting that they’ve come out of the gate this year in a strong fashion.

The Giants are home tomorrow for seven games, four against the Marlins and three against the Rockies. They then have an off-day before heading to San Diego at the end of the month.

Aaron Sanchez gets the start tomorrow night at 6:45 Pacific.

Go Giants!

–M.C.