Game Wrap 7/24/2024: Giants 8 Dodgers 3

The Giants erupted for 6 runs in the 8'th inning to secure a Win for Robbie Ray in his first start of 2024.  Key Lines:

Jorge Soler DH- 0 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .220.  Although Soler batting leadoff as DH continues not be a good look he was instrumental in running up Tyler Glasnow RHP's pitch count with a pair of walks.  He also drove in a run with a walk in the 8'th.

Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 5.  BA= .288.  Ramos drove in 2 runs in the 8'th to extend the lead to 7-1 but had another brain fart in CF was he called off YtY on a can of corn flyball in R-CF but then pulled up and let the ball drop.  Erik Miller LHP was not happy.

Matt Chapman 3B- 2 for 3, HR(14), 2 BB.  BA= .233.  Chapman's leadoff HR in the 4'th inning got the Giants on the scoreboard after the Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning without the benefit of a hit on a bases-loaded walk.  He also led off the 8'th inning with a walk. and drove in the Giants final run with a single.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 2 for 3, BB, SB(2).  BA= .244.  YtY had a nice night at the plate but contributed to Heliot's brain fart by pulling up late after Heliot clearly called for it both verbally and by waving his arms.  He looked totally stricken after the play.

Robbie Ray LHP- 5 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K's.  Ray came out wild in the first inning and allowed a run on 2 walks and 2 HBP's.  He did not allow another baserunner while striking out 8 in an electric Giants debut and return from Tommy John surgery.

Although Ray's performance was a big boost, the game was closer than the final score looked as the Giants offense continued to sputter through 7 innings and 6-run innings are flukes by definition.  The Giants lineup did a good job of running up Tyler Glasnow's pitch count.

The Win gained the Giants 0.5 games in the Wild Card playoff race.  They now trail by 4.5 runs.

Logan Webb RHP tries for a series split in a rare midweek afternoon game at Dodger Stadium facing Clayton Kershaw LHP making his first start of 2024.

Churn Watch:  

Luis Matos OF and Randy Rodriguez RHP were optioned to AAA Sacramento while Robbie Ray LHP and Derek Hill OF were added to the active roster.  Matos needs regular PA's and will get them in Sacramento. Hill's ceiling is probably utility OF, although he is a former first round draft pick and could be a gold nugget in the sluice box.