Justin Verlander earns his 1st win as a Giant and Patrick Bailey hits a 3-run triple as the Giants beat the White Sox 5-2 on June 29. See how they did it.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The wait is finally over. After a frustrating start to his San Francisco tenure, Justin Verlander delivered the ace performance Giants fans have been dreaming of, earning his first win in orange and black. Backed by a clutch, three-RBI night from catcher Patrick Bailey, the Giants defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-2, getting back on track and taking the series.
'He gave us exactly what we needed and set the tone early.' - Manager Bob Melvin on Justin Verlander.
Entering Sunday's game with a concerning 0-5 record and a 4.52 ERA, the pressure was mounting on Justin Verlander. He responded like the future Hall of Famer he is. The veteran righty was masterful over six innings, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out seven. It was a dominant outing that silenced critics and gave the bullpen a much-needed rest. Manager Bob Melvin summed it up perfectly postgame, praising Verlander for setting the tone and giving the team a massive lift.
While Verlander handled business on the mound, Patrick Bailey owned the batter's box. The Giants' catcher was the offensive engine, going 2-for-4 and driving in three of the team's five runs. His biggest moment came in the sixth inning with the game knotted at 1-1. Bailey ripped a bases-clearing triple to right-center, giving the Giants a lead they would never relinquish. The clutch hit boosted Bailey's season RBI total to 38 and reminded everyone of the offensive firepower he brings to the lineup.
Not to be outdone, Heliot Ramos continued his torrid pace, launching his 13th home run of the season in the eighth inning to provide some insurance. The solo shot extended his hitting streak to eight games, a stretch where he's been a consistent force in the middle of the order. 'I’m just seeing the ball well and trying to help the team win,' Ramos said, a simple statement that perfectly captures his impact. With 44 RBIs on the year, he's become an indispensable part of this offense.
Closing things out was the ever-reliable Camilo Doval, who worked a clean ninth inning to earn his 15th save of the season. The save was also a minor milestone, moving him into the top 10 for single-season saves by a Giant before the All-Star break. In a game defined by Verlander's start and Bailey's bat, Doval provided the perfect, drama-free ending.
With the win, the Giants improve to 45-38, holding their ground in a tough NL West. This victory felt like more than just one game; it was a blueprint. Getting Verlander back to his ace form is a potential game-changer for the second half, and with Bailey and Ramos swinging hot bats, the offense has the firepower to support him. As the All-Star break approaches, the Giants will look to build on this resilient performance and prove they are a true contender.
