Matt Chapman launched a first-inning grand slam, and the San Francisco Giants evened their three-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds with a 5-1 victory Saturday.
The Giants loaded the bases against Cincinnati starter Nick Lodolo (3-2) on one-out singles by LaMonte Wade Jr. and Patrick Bailey, and a two-out walk by Heliot Ramos.
Chapman then hit a 1-2 pitch 416 feet to center field for his fifth homer of the season and second grand slam of his career. In his first year with San Francisco, Chapman had totaled just 14 RBIs in the Giants’ first 40 games.
Elly De La Cruz homered to lead off the fourth, his ninth of the season, to trim the Reds’ deficit to 4-1.
Giants rookie starter Mason Black allowed one run on four hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out two in his second major league start. He was taken out after walking two of the first three batters he faced in the fifth.
San Francisco left fielder Michael Conforto left the game in the fourth inning with an apparent right leg injury. Conforto, who leads the Giants in home runs (7) and slugging percentage (.490), exited after making a hard turn at first base following a one-out single. He appeared to grab at the back of his right thigh before leaving the field.
Taylor Rogers (1-1) came on and struck out TJ Friedl before hitting De La Cruz with a pitch to load the bases with two outs. Rogers then struck out Stuart Fairchild swinging to end the threat.
Ryan Walker, Erik Miller, Tyler Rogers and Sean Hjelle each allowed at least one baserunner while throwing a scoreless inning apiece to wrap up the win.
Bailey increased the Giants’ lead to 5-1 with a sacrifice fly in the seventh. Chapman finished 2-for-4 for San Francisco, which won for the third time in its past five games.
Jake Fraley had three hits for the Reds, who left nine men on base.
Lodolo was pulled after six innings, allowing four runs and five hits. He walked one and struck out six.
–Field Level Media
