Giants Snap Losing Streak with Late Heroics Against Guardians
Logan Webb delivered a masterful performance on the mound, pitching seven innings while striking out nine batters, leading the San Francisco Giants to a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. This win marked the end of a frustrating four-game losing streak for the Giants.
Webb, now boasting a record of 7-5, allowed seven hits but did not walk a single batter, lowering his earned run average to an impressive 2.49. His ability to control the game was evident as he consistently kept the Guardians' offense at bay.
On the other side, Cleveland's Gavin Williams was equally effective, keeping the Giants scoreless through six innings. However, the tide turned in the seventh when San Francisco capitalized on the Guardians' bullpen. Casey Schmitt opened the inning with a single against Matt Festa, who then issued a walk to Jung Hoo Lee. A sacrifice bunt by Patrick Bailey advanced both runners into scoring position.
With the pressure mounting, Nic Enright took over for Festa. Pinch-hitter Wilmer Flores stepped up to the plate and delivered a crucial double down the left-field line, bringing Schmitt and Lee home. This moment was particularly significant for the Giants, who had struggled with runners in scoring position throughout the series, managing only one hit in 23 attempts before Flores' timely hit.
In the ninth inning, Camilo Doval closed out the game with a flawless performance, securing his 11th save of the season.
For Cleveland, Steven Kwan stood out with three hits and scored the team's only run on Carlos Santana's single in the third inning. The Guardians' offense was stifled for much of the game, thanks in part to a spectacular diving catch by Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos that ended the first inning and potentially saved a run.
This outing marked Webb's 23rd start of at least seven innings this season, leading all major league pitchers. Houston's Framber Valdez follows closely behind with 19 such starts.
Looking ahead, Cleveland's Tanner Bibee (4-6, 3.79 ERA) is set to face off against Athletics' Jeffrey Springs (5-5, 4.52) in West Sacramento on Friday night. Meanwhile, Giants' Hayden Birdsong (3-1, 2.79 ERA) will pitch against Boston's Hunter Dobbins (4-1, 3.74), as new San Francisco slugger Rafael Devers prepares to take on his former team this Sunday.
