One of the low points of the Giants’ season has been their eight-game losing skid to the Dodgers, but many of the players in Monday’s lineup would find it difficult to understand that. The new-look right-handed lineup on Monday proved to be the ideal fit, even though the leadoff hitter and No. 3 batter weren’t even in the organization when it began.
The Giants defeated the Dodgers 7-4 by hitting five home runs, including four by guys who have hardly donned orange and black this year. The victory ended an eight-game losing streak versus Los Angeles, the longest for the team in a single season since 1979, and was their fourth in a row.
However, they were struggling in the earlier inning. Starting pitcher for the Dodgers Andrew Heaney appeared unbeatable in the opening innings, dominating the Giants with his deceitful low-90s fastball and slider. In the third inning against Heaney, the Giants’ offense thrived as Lewis Brinson outperformed them. With a two-strike single to start the inning, David Villar got things going as well.
When the Giants’ lineup went through the order again, it was set up to cause lots of damage. Brinson displayed the power that once distinguished him as one of MLB’s top prospects. Brinson tied the game with a two-run home run off of Heaney in straightaway center field after Heaney fouled off a bunt.
The #SFGiants traded Darin Ruf to the Mets for J.D. Davis and three pitching prospects. Here's how Davis and Ruf have faired since the deal:
Davis: 60 PA, 5 HR, .267/.371/.550
Ruf: 47 PA, 0 HR, .167/.213/.238It's still early, but #SFGameUp has to feel great about that move.
— Giants Baseball Insider (@SFGiantsFN) September 6, 2022
With their fifth run of the evening, Lewis Brinson’s second tied their previous high at Dodger Stadium. In 2004 they last played here with five home runs. Heaney was almost taken deep by Brinson early in the game, but his drive to the left curved foul. He resolved the situation two innings later. David Villar’s leadoff single was followed by two batters before Brinson tied the game with a 429-foot blast to dead center.
Brinson’s home run marked both his first in the majors this year and his first as a Giant. He had 25 prior big league home runs and blasted nine last seasons with the Marlins. J.D. Davis launched a solo drive to center field two batters after Brinson’s bomb. After only four in his first four months with the New York Mets, he had five in just over a month with the Giants.
