Bryce Eldridge has made a strong impression two months into his rookie season, but on Thursday night, the Giants’ young star really 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 final series before the All-Star break.
Eldridge got a letter-high slider off the plate inside and somehow kept the arms on his 6-foot-7 frame short enough to launch the pitch at 106.7 mph on its way into McCovey Cove.
Eldridge’s eighth homer of the year 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 score, 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 four during a two-run fifth to take a 4-2 lead.
Schmitt got things started with his 18th homer of the season, tying Rafael Devers for the team lead, and Adames put a bow on the win with a no-doubter to left for his 15th to make it 8-2.
Not to be lost amid the fireworks: Schmitt’s first walk 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 sorts for a rotation spot in the second half.
What it means
The Giants were at risk of falling into a virtual tie for last place in the NL West with a loss.
They entered the series tied with the Rockies in the win column, only with two fewer losses.
Either way, the outcome of the final three games will determine who enters the break in last.
Who’s hot
With shakeups expected to be coming to the starting rotation by the Aug. 3 trade deadline, Whisenhunt continued to build his case to claim one of the soon-to-be open spots.
The 25-year-old left-hander hasn’t allowed more than two runs in either of his two starts in the big leagues this season while flashing more swing-and-miss stuff this time, generating 15 whiffs, including eight with his changeup, and four strikeouts.
He still has to work on his command, issuing four 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 feel good for Adames to connect on his eighth-inning blast, because it hasn’t looked like much fun to be Adames lately. He was left wincing for the second game 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 effects of back spasms that caused him to miss three games last week, and it showed at the plate.
Before the home run, Adames was 4-for-his-past-23, including two strikeouts and a pop out with the bases loaded earlier in the game.
Up next
The Giants will attempt to win consecutive games for the first time since the end of their last homestand, June 27 and 28 against the Braves. They have won Robbie Ray’s past eight starts.
