Willy Adames, who signed a significant seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants during the offseason, struggled offensively during the first two months of the season. However, his recent performances have shown why the Giants invested heavily in him. Adames currently rides a six-game hitting streak, batting .435 over that stretch, bringing new momentum to the Giants’ lineup as they face the Athletics in West Sacramento, California.
Standout Performance Fuels Giants’ Victory Over Athletics
On Saturday, Adames delivered a season-high four RBIs and recorded his sixth three-hit game this season, powering the Giants to a 7-2 win. His contributions helped even the three-game series at one game apiece. After hitting just .194 on June 10, Adames’ batting average has improved to .225 following his 3-for-5 effort. During his current streak, Adames has totaled 10 hits in 23 at-bats, including a home run and six RBIs.
Adames reflected on his slow start and recent resurgence, saying,
“It was a tough beginning of the season for me, I was just working every day trying to get that feeling and that timing right, and the last three weeks I’ve been feeling way better, feeling like me.”
Key Moments Highlight Adames’ Weekend Impact
Adames’ two-run singles in the first and third innings were crucial in securing Saturday’s victory. Giants manager Bob Melvin praised his performance, explaining,
“Willy’s hit was huge coming with two out. Then Willy’s next one (was big). He was the star at the plate. … He’s not chasing as much and doing a lot of good things.”
Adding depth to the Giants’ lineup, five-time Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman made his return after missing 23 games due to a hand injury. Chapman, batting cleanup, went 1-for-3 with two runs scored, reaching base three times through a single, a walk, and being hit by a pitch. Adames acknowledged Chapman’s impact, stating,
“He’s been gone for too long, and the team has been missing him. He got on base three times. He did an amazing job in his first game back.”
Athletics Struggle to Keep Pace Despite Early Series Lead
The Athletics won the series opener on Friday by a commanding 11-2 margin, but they were largely ineffective on Saturday, losing to the Giants. Their record against San Francisco this season now stands at 1-4. A shining spot for Oakland was rookie Nick Kurtz, who doubled twice off Giants ace Logan Webb. Athletics manager Mark Kotsay commended Kurtz’s approach, saying,
“Nick’s at-bats off Logan were very good. I thought his plan of attack was great and he executed his plan really well.”
Despite the loss, rookie Jacob Wilson, selected to start at shortstop for the upcoming American League All-Star Game on July 15, was unable to get a hit in four at-bats on Saturday.
Pitching Matchup Set for Sunday’s Deciding Game
Looking ahead to Sunday’s series finale, left-hander Jacob Lopez (2-4, 3.88 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Athletics. Lopez recently pitched 3 1/3 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits, earning a no-decision in Oakland’s 6-4 win. Notably, Lopez recorded a save against the Giants in 2023 while with the Rays, surrendering just one run over three innings in a 10-2 loss. Adames has faced Lopez before and holds a 1-for-2 record with a home run against him.
The Giants will counter with right-hander Hayden Birdsong (3-3, 4.30 ERA), who has struggled in recent starts. Birdsong has endured a five-start winless stretch, with his last victory coming on June 1 against the Miami Marlins. His most recent outing resulted in an 8-2 defeat to the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he allowed four runs (three earned) and three hits over four innings. At 23, Birdsong has only made one appearance against the Athletics, a loss last August when he surrendered one run in 4 2/3 innings.
Implications of Adames’ Resurgence for Giants’ Playoff Hopes
Adames’ hot streak comes at a crucial time for the Giants, who have managed only four wins in their last 12 games. His renewed offensive presence provides a valuable spark for a team looking to solidify its position in the standings. With key players like Chapman returning and pitchers Birdsong and Lopez slated for Sunday’s game, both teams will seek to gain an advantage in the competitive series. The outcome could influence momentum as the Giants push toward postseason contention.