Last night the San Francisco Giants beat the Colorado Rockies 8-2 with homers from Brandon Crawford and a two-run home run from Chris Marrero.
San Francisco Giants fans got what they normally expected during last night game. That is, good defense and better pitching. However, Crawford and Marrero wowed by sprinkling in a homer or two with Marrero’s being his career first. These runs ignited a 8-2 victory after a disappointing loss to the Rockies prior.
During Spring Training Marrero hit eight home runs and last night he played as if he was back in Scottsdale. He destroyed Tyler Anderson‘s 2-2 changeup and easily cleared the left-field wall.
It’s only been two weeks since the Giants selected the contract of first basemen Marrero from the Sacramento River Cats. In Marrero’s 144 major league at-bats, his run on Friday was his first dating his 2011 and 2012 days with the Washington Nationals. Marrero has been on the path to prove himself since his San Francisco debut during Spring Training 2017. He impressed with a walk-off three-run home run in the Giants exhibition opener- and yes, we won (6-4 to be exact). After that game Marrero expressed:
"“I just want to make a name for myself, I think it’s time for me to establish myself. Even in spring training, you’ve got to cherish these moments.”"
And established himself he has. Marrero ended Cactus League the same way he started it-a game-winning home run. Tied with Bryce Harper for most home runs during spring, Marrero’s performance earned himself a winning spot on the Giants’ opening day roster. Bruce Bochy commented on Marrero saying,
"“This kid, you see when he goes out there that he’s got great focus. He’s got that quiet intensity and determination. From Day 1, you can see it. He bears down every at-bat. And you’ve seen it in these games: he wants to be the one up there when the game’s on the line.”"
The Giants have always had a lack of right-handed bench power with only one pinch homer from the right side over the past two seasons combined. Marrero’s big swings during late innings are going fill that void.
More from Around the Foghorn
- SF Giants: Reliever Reyes Moronta clears outright waivers
- SF Giants sign veteran 1B John Nogowski to minor league deal
- SF Giants call on veteran LHP Scott Kazmir for big start against Padres
- SF Giants: Update on Alex Dickerson’s rehab assignment
- Atlanta claims SF Giants C Chadwick Tromp off waivers
Next: Nuñez more valuable than many might think
The Giants’ aggressive push for Marrero is going to prove to be positive this season based of Marreros’ performance since spring. Coming off a solid season for the Boston Red Sox’s Triple-A club in Pawtucket where he hit .284/.344/.494 with 23 home runs, it’s going to be no surprise that Chris Marrero will be a top contender this season.