What we learned as Giants waste Snell’s gem, lose to Braves in extras originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO — Monday night’s matchup featured last season’s NL Cy Young winner and this season’s leading contender, surpassing all expectations.
For the first time since 2010, both starting pitchers at Oracle Park recorded double-digit strikeouts. Blake Snell and Chris Sale combined for 23 strikeouts while keeping the game scoreless into extra innings.
This classic pitcher’s duel, however, didn’t bode well for the Giants, who need to secure victories through strong pitching in the second half. They were narrowly defeated by the Atlanta Braves, 1-0, on the opening night of an essential four-game series.
The single run came in the 10th inning, aided by the free runner on second base. A sacrifice fly from Travis d’Arnaud allowed the Braves to score, but Mike Yastrzemski’s impressive running catch in right field limited the damage.
In the bottom of the 10th, the Giants also had a free runner, but Yastrzemski and Marco Luciano both struck out, leading to a game-ending liner from Patrick Bailey to left field.
This marked Snell’s first home start since he no-hit the Cincinnati Reds. He flirted with history again, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning before Marcell Ozuna connected with a low curveball, hitting a double down the left-field line. Matt Olson then followed with a slow infield single.
Snell’s only setback was a high pitch count, resulting in his exit after recording his third strikeout against Orlando Arcia following Olson’s single. He threw 114 pitches, matching the season-high he achieved in Cincinnati.
Unhittable
Upon returning from the IL on July 9, Snell had a 9.51 ERA; it has now dropped to 3.91.
The left-hander pitched 6 1/3 innings, continuing a remarkable stretch that ranks among the best in franchise history. Over his last seven outings, Snell has permitted fewer than three hits in five of them. Since his return from the IL, he has surrendered only five runs, completing five of those seven starts without allowing a single run.
This outstanding performance came against a Braves lineup featuring eight right-handed hitters and four players who collectively have hit 89 home runs this season. Once again, Snell relied heavily on his curveball, which had previously held opponents to an average of just .089 prior to this game.
Snell leaned on his curveball, delivering 39 of them against the Braves and earning eight swinging strikes. Over his last seven starts, he has amassed a total of 56 swings and misses with the curveball alone.
Snell … Sale … Strikeouts
In the first five innings, Snell recorded two stretches of four consecutive strikeouts, while Sale matched him at every turn. Sale struck out five batters in a row at one point and ended the game with a season-high 12 strikeouts, surpassing Snell.
This marked the 33rd double-digit strikeout performance in Snell’s MLB career, and his third as a Giant. All three have occurred in his last four starts, totaling 45 strikeouts over 27 1/3 innings dating back to July 27, when he struck out 15 Colorado Rockies.
Heading into this game, Snell ranked third in strikeouts per nine innings among MLB pitchers with a minimum of 60 innings pitched this season. Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox leads the league, while Sale tops the National League.
Similar to Snell, Sale reached double digits in strikeouts during the sixth inning, fanning the side while facing the top of the Giants’ order. This was his fourth outing this season with at least ten strikeouts.
The last occurrence of both starters tallying double digits at Oracle Park was on April 28, 2010, when Tim Lincecum recorded 11 strikeouts while Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies notched ten. A similar event, however, took place in a Giants game just last year, during the 2023 opener at Yankee Stadium, where Logan Webb struck out 12 and Gerrit Cole achieved 11.
Welcome Back
Giants manager Bob Melvin expressed his enthusiasm about saying hello to Jorge Soler, highlighting that both players sent by San Francisco to Atlanta—Soler and reliever Luke Jackson—were valuable clubhouse assets. Before the game, both took the time to reconnect with former teammates, although only Soler participated in the game. His return was somewhat erratic.
Soler led off in left field, a position he hadn’t played for the Giants this season. He drew a leadoff walk in the first inning and walked again in the third, but he popped out in the sixth and struck out in the eighth.
His defensive skills were first put to the test in the 10th inning when Bailey’s liner came his way, which he caught effortlessly, securing the victory for his new team.
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Giants Fall to Braves in Extras Despite Snell’s Stellar Performance
The San Francisco Giants faced a tough loss against the Atlanta Braves in a thrilling extra-inning game that showcased the incredible talent of Blake Snell. Despite a stellar pitching performance from Snell, the Giants couldn’t capitalize, leading to an unfortunate defeat. In this article, we delve into the key moments of the game, analyze Snell’s performance, and discuss the implications for both teams moving forward.
Game Highlights
- Final Score: Braves 4, Giants 3 (10 innings)
- Location: Oracle Park, San Francisco
- Attendance: 30,000+ enthusiastic fans
Key Moments from the Game
The game was a nail-biter from start to finish. Here are some pivotal moments that defined the matchup:
| Inning | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Snell strikes out his 7th batter | Setting the tone for a dominant performance |
| 7th | Giants tie the game with a two-run homer | Reviving hope for Giants fans |
| 10th | Braves score the winning run | Leaving the Giants stunned |
Blake Snell’s Stellar Performance
Blake Snell delivered a performance that left fans and analysts in awe. Here’s a breakdown of his standout contributions:
- Innings Pitched: 8
- Strikeouts: 10
- Earned Runs: 2
- Walks: 1
- ERA: 2.59
Snell’s ability to control the game was evident as he consistently kept the Braves’ hitters off-balance. His signature curveball and devastating changeup were on full display, earning him a season-high in strikeouts.
Understanding Snell’s Strategy
Snell utilized a multifaceted approach to dominate the Braves throughout the game:
- Mixing Pitch Types: By varying his pitch types, Snell was able to confuse hitters and induce weak contact.
- Command of the Strike Zone: Snell showcased exceptional command, often placing his fastballs just within the strike zone for called strikes.
- Adjustments Mid-Game: After giving up a couple of runs early, he adjusted his strategy, focusing on quick outs and limiting damage.
Giants’ Offensive Struggles
Despite Snell’s performance, the Giants struggled offensively. Their inability to deliver in crucial moments was evident. Here’s a look at their performance:
- Batting Avg: .230
- Left on Base: 12 runners
- Key Players Struggling: Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford
The Giants had multiple opportunities to take the lead yet fell short in clutch situations, failing to drive in runners from scoring position.
Offensive Breakdown by Player
| Player | At-Bats | Hits | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buster Posey | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Brandon Crawford | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Mike Yastrzemski | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Braves’ Late-Inning Heroics
The Braves proved resilient, capitalizing on the Giants’ mistakes and finding ways to score in crucial moments. Their late-inning heroics turned the tide in their favor:
- Game-Winning Hit: A clutch single by Ronald Acuña Jr. in the 10th inning sealed the game.
- Home Runs: The Braves hit two home runs, contributing significantly to their run total.
Braves’ Key Performers
| Player | At-Bats | Hits | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ronald Acuña Jr. | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| Freddie Freeman | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Ozzie Albies | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Implications of the Game
This game had significant implications for both teams as they navigate through the season:
For the Giants
- Need for Offensive Consistency: The Giants must develop a more reliable offensive strategy to support strong pitching performances.
- Focus on Clutch Hitting: Improving their ability to hit with runners in scoring position is critical.
For the Braves
- Building Momentum: This victory provides a much-needed boost as they continue to chase a playoff spot.
- Pitching Depth: The Braves’ bullpen will need to be closely monitored to ensure they can maintain their success as the season winds down.
Practical Tips for Fans
As fans of baseball, there are several ways to enhance your viewing experience during games like these:
- Follow the Stats: Keep track of player statistics and game logs via sports apps to stay updated.
- Engage on Social Media: Join discussions on platforms like Twitter to share insights and reactions during the game.
- Host Viewing Parties: Gather friends for a fun-filled game night complete with snacks and beverages.
Case Study: Previous Encounters Between Giants and Braves
Analyzing past matchups can provide insights into these teams’ dynamics:
| Date | Result | Notable Performers |
|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2023 | Giants 5, Braves 3 | Logan Webb (Giants), Travis d’Arnaud (Braves) |
| August 20, 2023 | Braves 7, Giants 6 | Max Fried (Braves), J.D. Davis (Giants) |
| September 10, 2023 | Giants 4, Braves 2 | Kevin Gausman (Giants), Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves) |
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