San Francisco rookie Tyler Fitzgerald made history on Tuesday night by becoming the first Giants player in his rookie season to hit home runs in five consecutive games.
However, Fitzgerald didn’t find much joy in his achievement because the Giants lost 5-2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He expressed that while hitting home runs was special, the team’s recent struggles overshadowed his personal milestone.
Fitzgerald’s streak started in the second inning against Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack, hitting a slider into the left-field bullpen. Despite his impressive performance, the Giants have struggled since the All-Star break, losing four of their last five games.
Before Fitzgerald, the longest homer streak by a Giants rookie was four games, achieved by Jack Clark in 1977. Fitzgerald’s accomplishment is notable because he is the first San Francisco player since Barry Bonds in 2004 to hit home runs in five consecutive games.
Reflecting on his recent power surge, Fitzgerald acknowledged his satisfaction but also recognized the support and belief of the Giants organization in his potential. Manager Bob Melvin praised Fitzgerald’s talent and credited his success to improved plate discipline and timing.
Since the team’s move to San Francisco in 1958, only Bonds, Clark, Robby Thompson, and Willie Mays have achieved the feat of hitting home runs in five consecutive games for the Giants.
