SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Giants kicked off their four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers with a solid 5-2 victory on Monday night, April 21, 2025. The game showcased a mix of offensive fireworks and defensive blunders, ultimately tipping in favor of the Giants thanks to key contributions from Wilmer Flores and Jung Hoo Lee.
Wilmer Flores delivered the decisive blow in the sixth inning, hitting a tiebreaking solo homer off Brewers reliever Grant Anderson with two outs. This shot traveled 399 feet over the left-field wall, igniting the crowd at Oracle Park. Flores’s homer came right after the Giants had tied the game, showcasing the team’s resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Jung Hoo Lee added to the excitement in the seventh inning, hitting an RBI triple that brought home Willy Adames, increasing the Giants’ lead to 4-2. The fans erupted as Lee’s name echoed through the stands, a testament to his growing popularity among the San Francisco faithful.
Caleb Durbin had earlier put the Brewers on the board with a two-run shot in the second inning, marking his first career home run. The Brewers initially led 2-0, but the Giants quickly responded, demonstrating their fighting spirit throughout the contest.
Robbie Ray, the Giants’ starting pitcher, had a mixed outing, allowing two runs on five hits over five innings. He struck out four and walked three, struggling with command at times but managing to keep the team in the game. His performance set the stage for the bullpen to shine, particularly Hayden Birdsong, who earned the win after striking out four batters in three innings of relief.
Birdsong, with his impressive showing, has emerged as a strong option for the Giants, raising questions about the team’s rotation depth. “He was downright filthy,” said one analyst, highlighting Birdsong’s ability to dominate hitters.
On the other side, Brewers starter Quinn Priester faced challenges of his own, walking a season-high four batters over four innings. He struggled with his command and left the game after allowing two runs, unable to work past the fifth inning.
The game featured a series of defensive miscues from the Brewers that contributed to their downfall. Manager Pat Murphy expressed frustration post-game, stating, “I think it added up. It added up, for sure.” The Brewers had opportunities to make key plays but faltered, allowing the Giants to capitalize.
One notable moment came in the second inning when shortstop Joey Ortiz made an ill-advised throw to second base instead of opting for an easier out at first. This decision allowed the Giants to score a run and shift the momentum of the game.
Despite the loss, the Brewers had their moments, including a strong performance from their catcher, William Contreras, who threw out two baserunners attempting to steal. However, the offense struggled to convert opportunities, going 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.
As the game progressed, the Giants continued to apply pressure. In the eighth inning, Patrick Bailey added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly, further solidifying the Giants’ lead. Closer Camilo Doval came in to pitch a perfect ninth inning, sealing the victory for San Francisco and earning his third save of the season.
Looking ahead, the Brewers are set to face the Giants again on Tuesday night. Milwaukee’s left-handed pitcher José Quintana (2-0, 0.71 ERA) will take the mound against the Giants’ Jordan Hicks (1-2, 8.04 ERA). Both teams will be eager to adjust after the first game of the series, and fans can expect another exciting matchup.
In conclusion, the Giants’ victory marked a promising start to their series against the Brewers. With key players stepping up and a solid bullpen performance, San Francisco looks to build on this momentum in the coming games. Meanwhile, Milwaukee will need to regroup and address their defensive issues if they hope to turn the tide in this four-game set.
