San Francisco Giants’ Tyler Fitzgerald bats against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Tyler Fitzgerald’s 12th home run of the season, one off Patrick Corbin that easily cleared the left field wall in Washington, was special for several reasons. But it was also his 11th homer in his last 17 games, putting Fitzgerald in historic company the Giants defeated Washington 4-1.
Behind Fitzgerald’s blast 30 seconds into the game, the Giants defeated the Nationals, 4-1. For the first time since May 31, San Francisco reached the .500 mark, remaining in striking distance of a wild card spot. But through most of that, excellence from pitcher Logan Webb and a losing record have been two constants.After throwing a complete game shutout against the Oakland A’s, Webb took advantage of a 4-0 lead – sparked by Fitzgerald’s home run – to speed through five innings.
After rookie phenom James Wood singled in one run against Webb with two outs and another runner was able to get on, manager Bob Melvin pulled Webb. Fitzgerald’s lead off home run gave all-star Webb an early cushion, and then San Francisco’s steady starter enjoyed even more run support in the third inning.
Undefeated rookie Hayden Birdsong is expected to start Tuesday’s game, and then Blake Snell should make his first start since throwing a no-hitter on Friday. Pitcher Tristan Beck threw a bullpen in Arizona, and is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday.