Giants swept by Blue Jays in an 8-6 loss on July 20. Despite a Matt Chapman homer, SF looks to rebound in Atlanta. Can they turn it around vs. the Braves?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a new week, and the San Francisco Giants desperately need it to be a new chapter. The team is looking to wash away the bitter taste of a weekend sweep at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays, which culminated in a frustrating 8-6 loss on Sunday. Now, with little time to dwell, they open a crucial series against the Atlanta Braves tonight, hoping to get back to their winning ways.
The Blue Jays matched a franchise record with their 10th straight home win, completing a sweep of the Giants.
Sunday's finale in Toronto was a microcosm of the series: the Giants' bats showed life, but it just wasn't enough. The offense got going early with a Heliot Ramos RBI single in the first, but the lead was short-lived. A sixth-inning rally saw a two-run blast from Matt Chapman and RBI singles from Brett Wisely and Jung Hoo Lee, showcasing the fight this team has. Unfortunately, starter Robbie Ray had a tough outing, and the bullpen couldn't slam the door on a red-hot Blue Jays lineup that seemed to have an answer for everything.
Perhaps sensing a need for fresh options, the front office made a move just before the weekend's end. The Giants selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Matt Gage from Triple-A Sacramento, adding a new arm to the bullpen mix. The 32-year-old has been impressive for the River Cats, posting a 2.87 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 34 innings. To make room, veteran reliever Scott Alexander, who had been a key piece in the past, elected free agency. The hope is that Gage can provide a reliable boost for a relief corps that was tested in Toronto.
There's no time to lick their wounds as the Giants (52-44) immediately head to Truist Park to face the Atlanta Braves (42-52). Despite the sweep, it's important to remember the Giants are still 7-3 in their last 10 games. This series presents a perfect 'get-right' opportunity against a sub-.500 team. The last time these two clubs met on June 8, the Giants walked away with a 4-3 victory. First pitch is scheduled for 11:15 PM ET, and while starters haven't been officially announced, all eyes will be on who takes the mound to set the tone for the series.
The sweep in Toronto was a gut punch, no doubt. But good teams find a way to flush a bad series and bounce back. Tonight in Atlanta is a clean slate. Against a struggling Braves team, the Giants have a prime opportunity to get back in the win column, regain their momentum, and prove that the last three games were an anomaly, not the start of a trend. A strong start is crucial.
