Matt Chapman hit a bases-clearing double in the eighth inning, and Blake Snell pitched seven strong innings to help the San Francisco Giants defeat the Miami Marlins 3-1 on Friday night.
With the Giants down 1-0, Chapman smacked a slider from Miami reliever George Soriano into the left-center field gap, bringing home all three runners with two outs.
“Thank God,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said about Chapman’s hit, noting that the team “needed a spark like that.”
The Giants are now at a .500 record of 68-68 but are still 6 1/2 games behind a playoff spot.
“Our season is not over by any means,” Chapman said. “We still have life. We still have things to show up and work hard for and play for. Our goal is to win every single day until somebody says we’re eliminated.”
Chapman, who saw six pitches from Soriano before hitting the slider, said he felt more comfortable as the at-bat progressed.
“I was lucky to be able to put a good spin on that last one,” Chapman said.
The game was scoreless through six innings, showcasing a pitching duel between Snell and the Marlins’ Adam Oller.
Snell had not given up a run in his last four home starts before Friday and came into the game with a 1.30 ERA in his last nine appearances. He kept up his impressive form since the All-Star break, striking out eight in seven innings and allowing one run on four hits with just one walk.
“Vintage Blake,” Melvin said. “It’s almost a shock when he gives up a run, especially with guys on base like that.”
Snell, who has a player option after this season, mentioned that he isn’t thinking about his future right now.
