San Francisco – The Giants bullpen pitched a solid game followed by their lone hit by LaMonte Wade Jr. Wade’s solo blast was the winning run in San Francisco’s 1-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Giants secured their fourth-straight home series, and sixth in their last seven at Oracle Park. This was the sixth time in franchise history that San Francisco has won 1-0 with two or fewer hits, one being a home run.
“I wouldn’t argue the fact that there have been pretty long stretches of offensive challenges,” Giants manager Gabe Kapler said pregame. “Collectively all season I think we’ve done a solid job on defense. Our team has done a great job of being selfless. We need to hit home runs to be a good team but no one person needs to hit 35 home runs in a season.”
Wade Jr. went yard to leadoff the fourth frame and lined his second home run of the series. His 14 go-ahead home runs since 2014 are third on the team behind OF Mike Yastrzemski (21) and SS Brandon Crawford (15). The Giants are not a home run hitting team but they play incredible defense backed by a few hits to get the win.
“His swing is looking violent again,” said Kapler on Wade’s home run. “It’s kind of a measure of how he’s feeling. Oftentimes he goes up to the plate, he’s able to conduct a really good at-bat, make good swing decisions. But the swing doesn’t look quite as violent when he’s not feeling his best and healthiest.”
Wade was also the recipient of the Heart and Hustle award by Major League Baseball Alumni Association. The award honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and traditions of the game. While Wade discussed how his game improved from his mentor Barry Bonds, he was also humble in receiving his award.
“It means a lot,” Wade said. “I’m definitely grateful and humbled by that honor to be able to receive that award, and I think it says a lot about this team, these teammates that I’ve got too.”
Rookie RHP Tristan Beck pitched a solid four innings behind Scott Alexander. Beck went 4 frames, allowed two hits and struck out three. He’s 2-0 with a 0.59 ERA, 11 strikeouts and 0.72 WHIP since June 29 (six games). Beck’s season 2.73 ERA is second best in MLB among rookies with at least 55.0 innings.
“I think learning how to win close games is a skill that you kind of hone throughout the season,” said Beck.
We’ll take the wins as they come, and down the stretch, I don’t think we’ll be surprised by anything, the way these games have been going.”
San Francisco remains in second place behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and lead the D-backs by four games in the National League West. Right now the Giants hold sit atop the NL Win Card spot but there remains a lot of baseball to played. However, San Francisco is back in this race for the postseason.
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