Bryce Eldridge slugs first Splash hit in Giants…
Bryce Eldridge has made a strong impression two months into his rookie season, but on Thursday evening, the Giants’ younger star actually made a splash for the first time.
The 21-year-old first baseman slugged his first of what are sure to be many Splash Hits in the Giants’ 8-2 win over the Rockies to open San Francisco’s last collection before the All-Star break.
Eldridge received a letter-high slider off the plate inside and one way or the other stored the arms on his 6-foot-7 body short enough to launch the pitch at 106.7 mph on its approach into McCovey Cove.
Bryce Eldridge rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of the Giants’ 8-2 win over the Rockies on July 9, 2026 in San Francisco. JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO/Bay Area News Group via AP
Eldridge’s eighth homer of the 12 months was also the 109th Splash Hit by a Giant since the waterfront ballpark opened in 2000 — and the first this season.
The solo shot tied the rating, and the Giants proceeded to add on with two RBIs apiece from Casey Schmitt, Rafael Devers and Willy Adames. A day after being no-hit for eight innings, they pounded out 13, including 4 during a two-run fifth to take a 4-2 lead.
Schmitt received issues began with his 18th homer of the season, tying Rafael Devers for the crew lead, and Adames put a bow on the win with a no-doubter to left for his fifteenth to make it 8-2.
Not to be misplaced amid the fireworks: Schmitt’s first stroll since May 24, snapping a streak of 172 plate appearances that was the longest in the majors.
All the offense served to back up 5 ⅔ strong innings from Carson Whisenhunt, who earned the win in what was a tryout of kinds for a rotation spot in the second half.
Bryce Eldridge celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of the Giants’ win over the Rockies. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
What it means
The Giants had been at risk of falling into a digital tie for last place in the NL West with a loss.
They entered the collection tied with the Rockies in the win column, only with two fewer losses.
Either approach, the end result of the ultimate three video games will decide who enters the break in last.
Who’s sizzling
With shakeups anticipated to be coming to the beginning rotation by the Aug. 3 commerce deadline, Whisenhunt continued to construct his case to declare one of the soon-to-be open spots.
Carson Whisenhunt throws a pitch during the first inning of the Giants’ win over the Rockies at Oracle Park. IMAGN IMAGES via GWN Connect
The 25-year-old left-hander hasn’t allowed more than two runs in either of his two begins in the big leagues this season while flashing more swing-and-miss stuff this time, producing 15 whiffs, including eight with his changeup, and 4 strikeouts.
He still has to work on his command, issuing 4 bases on balls over 5 ⅔ innings, and was punished for a two-run homer by Willi Castro, but yielded only two other hits.
Who’s not
It had to really feel good for Adames to join on his eighth-inning blast, because it hasn’t appeared like a lot enjoyable to be Adames these days. He was left wincing for the second recreation in a row after getting his cleats tangled up and falling to the ground behind second base.
Manager Tony Vitello acknowledged the 30-year-old shortstop is still feeling the results of back spasms that induced him to miss three video games last week, and it confirmed at the plate.
Before the home run, Adames was 4-for-his-past-23, including two strikeouts and a come out with the bases loaded earlier in the sport.
Up next
The Giants will attempt to win consecutive video games for the first time since the end of their last homestand, June 27 and 28 against the Braves. They have gained Robbie Ray’s past eight begins.
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