Matt Chapman hit a two-run single in the eighth inning, and six pitchers from San Francisco combined to allow just four hits as the Giants defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-1 on Tuesday night.
Michael Conforto also contributed with an RBI single, while David Villar and Jorge Soler added sacrifice flies to help the Giants secure their second consecutive victory following a five-game losing streak.
“It’s a big win for us,” said San Francisco catcher Patrick Bailey. “After a tough road trip, we just focused on coming out here and trying to win games. Hopefully, we can build on this.”
Conforto’s RBI single gave the Giants an early lead in the second inning, and Villar’s sacrifice fly extended the lead to 2-0.
Michael Busch provided an RBI single for the Cubs in the third inning, but they struggled offensively, managing only three at-bats with runners in scoring position and no extra-base hits.
“It was a quiet night,” commented Cubs manager Craig Counsell. “When you don’t produce with runners in scoring position and lack extra-base hits, generating offense is tough.”
Randy Rodríguez, a rookie reliever for San Francisco, made his first career start and impressed with one run allowed on one hit over 2 2/3 innings, striking out five with two walks.
“He was outstanding,” Bailey praised. “His stuff has been impressive all season, and he executed well tonight.” The Giants’ bullpen continued to shine, with Sean Hjelle pitching two scoreless innings followed by contributions from Taylor Rogers, Ryan Walker, Tyler Rogers, and Camilo Doval, who combined to hold the lead over the final 4 1/3 innings.
Tyler Rogers earned the win with a scoreless eighth inning, part of a bullpen unit that has been reliable throughout the season.
“It’s been great to be part of this bullpen,” Hjelle remarked. “Guys are always ready in any situation, and nobody hesitates to take the mound and do their job.”
