Samardzija Gives Up Only 7 Runs, Giants Still Lose

The San Francisco Giants have started the 2nd half the same way they began the season by losing two of three to a National League West rival. This time, it is the fourth place San Diego Padres, who beat the Giants today 7-1.

Jeff Samardzija, who is being scouted by playoff teams who might be interested in trading for him, struggled early, allowing seven runs in just three innings. The Padres hit two separate three run home runs to get out to the early lead.

Samardzija did end up lasting until the 6th inning despite the early runs.  He finished with eight strikeouts and zero walks, continuing his dominant K/BB ratio this season.

Brandon Crawford had an RBI double in the second inning, continuing his mini hot streak. Crawford is one of several key Giants who have had a down year.

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For all the talk of the Giants struggles on the mound with both their starting staff and their bullpen, the lineup has been the most frustrating. While Gorkys Hernandez and the Giants other left fielders have been the fan’s whipping boy all season, it is the every day regulars that have been the biggest disappointment.

Crawford, Brandon Belt, Joe Panik, Hunter Pence, Denard Span, and Eduardo Nunez have all struggled at times this year. Even if the Giants decide to make some moves at the deadline, it’s going to have a minimal impact if their core players don’t play better.

Next: San Francisco Giants Rumors Begin

The Giants continue their 2017 season Monday against the 2016 American League Central Champion Cleveland Indians. Matt Moore (3-9) will go for the Giants.