San Francisco, CA — Mike Yastrzemski crushed a two-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th inning, lifting the San Francisco Giants to a dramatic 8-6 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. The win capped a furious comeback from a five-run deficit and helped the Giants avoid a series sweep.
Jung Hoo Lee had a standout performance, collecting three hits—including a triple and a double—while Wilmer Flores also tallied three hits and launched a solo home run in the eighth inning that tied the game at six.
The game-winner came off Reds reliever Emilio Pagán (0-1), as Yastrzemski drove a pitch deep to right with Matt Chapman starting the inning at second base due to the extra-innings runner rule. Chapman advanced to third on a sacrifice before scoring easily on the blast.
Cincinnati built an early lead with a five-run outburst in the third inning, fueled by Elly De La Cruz’s two-run double and a two-RBI single from Gavin Lux.
Trailing 6-1 in the sixth, the Giants began to claw back. Patrick Bailey sparked a four-run inning with an RBI triple. Flores later tied it in the eighth with his solo shot to left.
Veteran right-hander Justin Verlander started for San Francisco, striking out nine while allowing six runs—five earned—on five hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. The 42-year-old bounced back from a rough home debut last week against Seattle.
Erik Miller (1-0) earned the win after a perfect top of the 10th.
Reds starter Nick Martinez struck out eight and gave up four runs over 5 2/3 innings, surrendering seven hits and one walk.
Highlight Moment:
Reds outfielder Will Benson made a spectacular diving catch in the left-center gap to rob Lee of extra bases in the ninth, temporarily preserving the tie.
Notable Stat:
Verlander’s nine strikeouts marked the first time he reached that number since May 29 of last season, when he was with Houston facing Seattle.
Up Next:
- Reds: RHP Brady Singer (1-0, 5.40 ERA) will open the series at home Friday against Pittsburgh. The Pirates will counter with LHP Bailey Falter (0-1, 8.10).
- Giants: LHP Robbie Ray (2-0, 3.18 ERA) gets the ball in New York against the Yankees on Friday night. RHP Marcus Stroman (0-0, 7.27 ERA) will start for the Yanks.
