Chapman delivers on bobblehead night as SF Giants extend win streak to six
SAN FRANCISCO — Long live the power of the Bobblehead Night.
On an evening where the Giants distributed 15,000 bobbleheads bearing Matt Chapman’s likeness, the five-time Gold Glove Award winner totaled two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored, then turned in a vintage defensive gem to end the game the Giants beat the Seattle Mariners, 4-1. San Francisco’s winning streak stands at six, and the record is 7-1.
Chapman’s RBI opportunities were the product of Jung Hoo Lee, who stuffed the stat sheet in his own right. Lee, who finished with three hits, preceded both of Chapman’s doubles with a pair of his own two-baggers, scoring on both of Chapman’s hits. Lee also stole his third base of the season, eclipsing the two steals he had in 37 games last season.
A day after the Giants used seven relievers in their thrilling home opener, Robbie Ray pitched around five walks and turned in six much-needed innings of one-run ball. Hayden Birdsong, the only reliever who didn’t appear in Friday’s 11-inning marathon, followed Ray with two scoreless innings of relief, and Ryan Walker shut the door in the ninth for his third save of the year.
Worth noting
- Manager Bob Melvin said the Giants will start treating Birdsong like a true reliever. The team hoped for Birdsong to piggyback after a starter during their recent series in Houston, but the opportunity never materialized. “I think we’re at the point now where to get him consistent work and keep him sharp, we’re just going to have to treat him as a reliever.”