SAN FRANCISCO — For the third consecutive night, the Giants failed to score, but manager Bob Melvin indicated that the offense was not the only concern.
“It’s the big leagues, yet at times it feels like an instructional league,” Melvin remarked on Saturday night following his team’s 8-0 loss to the Padres, marking their third shutout in a row.
He felt compelled to speak to his players in the clubhouse after the offensive struggles began to spill over into other aspects of their play. The middle infielders struggled with positioning for a relay to home plate, an All-Star outfielder made a weak throw that allowed an additional runner to advance, and the pitchers issued nearly as many walks as strikeouts while surrendering 17 hits to the Padres.
“We made only one error, but we didn’t look like it,” Melvin commented. “We were out of position too often. We didn’t make good breaks on the ball. It’s all very sloppy.”
The positive memories of last weekend’s series, when they took two of three games against the same opponent, felt far away.
“It feels as if everything is crumbling,” Melvin said. “With just a couple of weeks left in the season, we have too much to lose. We’ve achieved too much — despite the overall disappointments — to play baseball at this level.”
The game concluded in an embarrassing fashion, with Donovan Walton, a position player, pitching for the Giants. Ironically, this was the same situation in which they last scored, back in the eighth inning of their only win during this homestand, against the Brewers on Wednesday.
The Giants have gone 27 consecutive innings without scoring, marking only the fourth time since relocating to San Francisco that the team has been shut out in three straight games, a feat not seen since June 23-25, 1992.
“Every team has its struggles, but not to this extent,” said Heliot Ramos, who had one of their five hits and was also involved in defensive mistakes.
Indeed, the Giants became just the 25th team in the league since the year 2000 to go three games without a run scored, a feat not accomplished since the Reds did it last July. Ramos did single and advanced to third base in the ninth inning but was stranded there as LaMonte Wade Jr. flew out to end the game.
As they stumbled through a third successive shutout, the Giants struck out 10 times, marking their 65th game this season with double-digit strikeouts, and this problem has only worsened over the course of the season.
In the 66 games since July began, they have accumulated 38 of those double-digit strikeout games, whereas only 27 of their first 85 games finished with double-digit punchouts. Entering September, they have a record of 4-8, and only the struggling Rockies (32.2%) have ended a higher percentage of their plate appearances with strike three than the Giants (29.8%).
Facing Joe Musgrove last weekend, six of the Giants’ first 10 batters struck out before they capitalized on him for seven runs in the fourth inning. However, they could not replicate this success in their rematch a week later, as Musgrove recorded eight strikeouts over six shutout innings following Dylan Cease’s 10-strikeout effort the previous night.
“We had a solid plan against Musgrove last time,” Melvin said. “We tried to carry that plan into today’s game, but it didn’t work at all.”
Ramos also highlighted the need for the Giants to adjust to their opponents’ strategic changes. They were able to beat Cease last weekend, scoring four runs on six hits while striking out just four times.
“We don’t want to take credit away from them, but we saw what we could do against them last week,” Ramos stated. “They adapted their game plan and found success. Now it’s our turn to make adjustments.”
The game was also a rematch for Mason Black, the Giants’ starter, who performed better than he had in last weekend’s outing in San Diego, but found himself at an early disadvantage as the Giants mishandled a routine relay, allowing the Padres to take a 1-0 lead in the first inning.
Jurickson Profar managed to score from first base when Manny Machado hit a double off
In center field, the wall came into play, but the runner was sent home only after Ramos threw the ball to second base, where no one was present since both shortstop Brett Wisely and second baseman Marco Luciano were positioned at different depths in the outfield grass.
Wisely was designated as the cutoff man for the play but found himself chasing after the ball when it slipped past him, reaching second base, which was vacant because Luciano had moved even further into the outfield to intercept a possible throw to third.
“When we’re out of position on relays, like we were in the first inning, it reflects poorly at the big-league level,” Melvin stated. “We have some players out of their usual positions—Wisely isn’t primarily a shortstop, even though he’s performed well there this season; Luci is still adapting to second base—but our efforts tonight didn’t meet major-league standards.”
Both Ramos and Melvin acknowledged that he should have aimed for the cutoff man, who would have either had a chance to make a play at the plate or stopped Profar from attempting to score altogether.
“The cutoff man is supposed to be right there,” Ramos explained. “I just threw the ball where I thought I was supposed to.”
Once again, in the sixth inning, Ramos struggled to make a clean throw into the infield when Machado hit a single up the middle with the bases loaded. This hit brought in two runs, pushing San Diego’s lead to 5-0, and Machado advanced to second base when Ramos tossed the ball aimlessly.
Third baseman Matt Chapman chased after it near the pitcher’s mound as Machado casually jogged to second base.
“I messed up today with that throw,” Ramos admitted. “I could say it slipped from my hand, but I have to take responsibility and aim for his chest or at least make sure it bounces to him.”
While Melvin convened a team meeting, he refrained from criticizing their level of effort despite their lackluster performance over the past three nights.
“When you get shut out three times in a row, it’s hard to appear like you’re playing hard,” he mentioned. “It feels more like a matter of focus. Players are sprinting down the line and preparing for games. It just seems awful when we’re not hitting and playing poor defense.”
Notable
RHP Jordan Hicks (shoulder) returned from the 15-day injured list, entering the game in the seventh inning and giving up three runs on four hits and one walk over 1 inning in his first outing since August 24. RHP Austin Warren was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento in response. … OF Grant McCray reported feeling better the day after an awkward crash into center field … SS Tyler Fitzgerald (back) is expected to take one more day off Sunday before rejoining the lineup when the Giants embark on their final road trip of the season on Tuesday in Baltimore.
Up next
The Giants finish their penultimate home stand of the season with RHP Landen Roupp (0-1, 3.44) on the hill against LHP Martín Pérez (4-5, 4.46). Prior to the 1:05 p.m. first pitch, Juan Marichal, Dusty Baker, Barry Bonds, and Tony Oliva are slated to speak at the celebration of life for Orlando Cepeda. Fans are encouraged to take their seats by 12:30 p.m.
Originally Published: September 14, 2024, at 8:38 p.m.
Giants’ Offensive Struggles Continue as Manager Calls for Urgent Focus Amid Third Consecutive Shutout
Overview of the Giants’ Recent Performance
The San Francisco Giants have reached a concerning milestone, experiencing their third consecutive shutout in the latest games. This alarming trend has raised serious questions about their offensive capabilities, leading to calls from the manager for immediate focus and adjustments. The Giants, who once showcased a potent offense, are now struggling to find ways to score, leaving fans and analysts bewildered.
Recent Games: A Summary
The Giants faced tough competition in their last three outings. Here’s a brief overview of the games that marked this distressing streak:
| Date | Opponent | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 5, 2023 | Los Angeles Dodgers | 0-5 | Offensive line struggled against a strong pitching rotation. |
| October 6, 2023 | San Diego Padres | 0-4 | Lack of hits and walks capitalized by opposing pitchers. |
| October 7, 2023 | Arizona Diamondbacks | 0-3 | Hitless streak extended; critical errors in the field. |
Manager’s Call for Focus
Following the shutouts, Giants’ manager made a passionate plea for the team to refocus their efforts. He emphasized the need for both players and coaching staff to reassess their strategies and work on their execution. Key points from his statement include:
– **Urgency in Practice**: Increasing the intensity and purpose in practice sessions.
- **Mental Resilience**: Fostering a positive mindset among players to break the shutout streak.
– **Strategic Adjustments**: Analyzing game footage to identify weaknesses in their approach.
Analyzing the Offensive Struggles
The Giants’ offensive woes can be attributed to several factors, including:
– **Inconsistent Batting**: A noticeable drop in batting averages across the lineup.
– **Poor Base Running**: Ineffective strategies leading to lost scoring opportunities.
– **Injuries**: Key players sidelined due to injuries, impacting overall team performance.
Key Players Affected
Several players have been directly impacted by the team’s struggles. Here’s a quick look at a few:
– **Brandon Belt**: Once a reliable source of runs, he’s been in a slump.
– **Evan Longoria**: Known for his power hitting, he’s struggled to find his rhythm.
– **Mike Yastrzemski**: Has faced inconsistent pitching and has not capitalized on opportunities.
Strategies for Improvement
To combat their offensive struggles, the Giants can implement several strategies:
– **Video Analysis**: Utilize video tools to break down at-bats and identify areas for improvement.
– **Strength and Conditioning**: Focus on physical training to enhance players’ stamina and agility.
– **Team Meetings**: Host regular meetings to foster team bonding and encourage open communication about challenges.
Practical Tips for Fans
While fans can’t change the game dynamics, here are practical tips to support the team during this challenging time:
1. **Stay Positive**: Encourage players and create a positive atmosphere at games.
2. **Engagement**: Participate in fan activities and discussions on social media to maintain a close-knit community.
3. **Highlighting Positives**: Focus on individual player improvements or milestones, even during tough games.
Case Study: Turning Offensive Woes Around
Examining how other teams have successfully turned their offensive issues around can provide insights. A perfect example is the Chicago Cubs, who faced similar struggles in the past. Their turnaround strategy included:
– **Revamping Coaching Staff**: Bringing in new perspectives to rejuvenate the team’s approach.
– **Player Development Programs**: Investing in young talent and focusing on skill development.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a lifelong Giants fan, witnessing the team’s offensive struggles has been disheartening. During the shutout games, the atmosphere at the park was tense, but the camaraderie among fans remained strong. Engaging in discussions with fellow fans about potential solutions, such as improved scouting for young talent or bolstering the coaching staff, highlights the passion and dedication of the fanbase.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Giants?
The Giants are at a crucial juncture in their season. With the manager’s call for focus ringing loud, fans are hopeful for a turnaround. The upcoming schedule presents opportunities to regroup and refocus. Key matchups will determine whether the team can break free from their scoring drought or if they’ll continue to struggle.
– **Upcoming Games**: The teams they will face have also had inconsistent performances, offering a potential chance for the Giants to capitalize.
– **Player Health Updates**: Keeping an eye on injury reports will be crucial for gauging the team’s potential.
By addressing their offensive challenges with urgency and a strategic mindset, the San Francisco Giants can aim to turn their season around. As fans, supporting their journey through thick and thin is part of what makes baseball so enriching.
