Following his game-winning hit, the Atlanta Braves players targeted Adam Duvall for the obligatory celebration. Atlanta’s three-run ninth-inning rally was capped by Duvall’s run-scoring single, as the Braves defeated the San Francisco Giants 4-3 on Wednesday night. Atlanta’s second walk-off victory of the series.
Duvall’s single up the middle off Tyler Rogers pushed in William Contreras, who had advanced to second base following his game-tying hit and crucial steal. As Austin Slater’s pass from center field was a little up the third-base line, Contreras slid through the home plate with the winning streak.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Duvall believed it would be not difficult to score from second.
“It’s obviously easier to score from second,” Duvall stated. “Having a runner in scoring position was huge in that moment. With that hit, he doesn’t score from first.”
Contreras, a newcomer infielder known for his power-hitting skills, was an early first-round pick who earned playing time alongside Travis d’Arnaud. Carlos Rodón of the Giants pitched seven innings, allowing three hits and one run.
Carlos Rodón had another solid start for the Giants, allowing only three hits and one run in seven innings.
The Braves fought back in the ninth inning to seal the victory against relief pitcher Jake McGee (1-2). Dansby Swanson hit his 10th home run to start the game. Marcell Ozuna singled, advanced to second on Matt Olson’s long fly ball, and scored on Contreras’ single to tie the game.
On Duvall’s hit, Tyler Rogers came in and struck out Orlando Arcia, but Contreras snatched second base and beat center fielder Austin Slater’s throw home.
“It turned out to be one of the bigger plays of the game,” Brian Snitker, manager of the Atlanta Braves, commented on the steal.
Rodón gave his first career start against Atlanta an outstanding performance, allowing only one run while striking out ten and walking one. He outdueled Charlie Morton, who pitched seven innings and allowed two runs on three hits with 11 strikeouts.
Rodón’s attempt to make his third straight start without letting a run come to an end in the seventh inning. He has won three consecutive starts while allowing only seven hits and one run in 21 innings.
Atlanta scores a run in the seventh inning
Ozuna singled in the seventh inning and scored on Olson’s league-leading 28th double. Olson advanced to third on Contreras’ infield out but was caught when Giants first baseman Brandon Belt snatched Arcia’s liner, and Duvall struck out.
Rodón allowed a walk to Contreras in the second inning but no other runners were on base before Arcia’s bunt single to center field with one out in the fifth gave the Braves their first hit.
The Giants took a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning when Tommy La Stella singled against reliever A.J. Minter. Minter (3-1) took the victory.
Atlanta starter Charlie Morton pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on three hits, including two home runs, while striking out 11 batters without walking.
Morton led the major leagues with 40 strikeouts in June, including nine or more in three consecutive starts.
The game ended up being close, which is nothing new for The Giants. Their first six games of a seven-game road trip were all decided by two runs or less.
Overall, the Giants are 17-19 in games decided by two runs or less.
