Verlander Secures First Win, Devers Powers Giants Past Braves 9-3

Justin Verlander finally found his footing on the mound, leading the San Francisco Giants to a 9-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday. The 42-year-old pitcher, who had been winless in his first 16 starts, marked a significant milestone by ending the longest winless streak in Giants history.

Verlander (1-8), a three-time Cy Young Award winner, showcased his skills by allowing just one hit over five scoreless innings, despite issuing five walks. This performance came after he signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Giants in January, and it was a much-needed turnaround for the veteran.

Rafael Devers played a pivotal role in the game, driving in four runs with three hits, including two home runs. His first home run off Spencer Strider (4-8) in the fifth inning opened the scoring for San Francisco. Following that, Willy Adames was hit by a pitch, setting the stage for Matt Chapman’s two-run homer that extended the lead to 3-0. Devers then added a three-run blast off Dylan Dodd in the sixth inning, who had just been recalled earlier that day.

Devers, who served as the designated hitter after debuting as the starting first baseman in a previous game, helped snap the team's six-game losing streak with his impressive performance.

Atlanta's first hit came from Eli White's blooper that landed fair near the right-field line in the fifth inning. White managed to steal second and advanced to third on a wild pitch before Verlander struck out Drake Baldwin to end the threat.

In a remarkable turnaround, the Giants outscored the Braves 18-3 over the final two games of the series after Atlanta had taken the opener 9-7.

With a day off on Thursday, the Giants will return home to face the New York Mets on Friday night. Scheduled to pitch for San Francisco is RHP Logan Webb (9-7, 3.08), while RHP Clay Holmes (8-5, 3.48) will take the mound for New York.

The Braves are set to play against Texas on Friday night, with LHP Joey Wentz (2-1, 5.71) slated to face Rangers RHP Nathan Eovaldi (7-3, 1.58).