July 6th 2024.
On Saturday in Cleveland, Kyle Harrison made his return to the mound after being out for almost a month due to a sprained ankle. As a De La Salle High graduate, he was eager to get back in the game and show what he could do. However, it seemed like his time off had taken a toll on him. In the first inning, he gave up four runs and put the Giants in a tough spot. Despite their efforts to catch up, the Giants ultimately fell to the AL Central-leading Guardians with a final score of 5-4.
Harrison's performance was not up to his usual standards. In his first start since June 10th, he only pitched 3 ⅓ innings and allowed four hits and four runs, while also walking four players. It was clear that he was still shaking off the rust and getting back into the swing of things. It was also worth noting that he didn't have the chance to play in a rehab game before taking the mound on Saturday.
The Giants had opportunities to score and potentially turn the game around, but they couldn't seem to capitalize on them. They finished 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position, which was a major factor in their loss. On the bright side, Jorge Soler had a great game as a leadoff hitter, with a double, two walks, and a run scored. Tyler Fitzgerald also contributed with a single that brought in two runs. It was also exciting to see Fremont native Steven Kwan do well for Cleveland, going 2 for 4 with a solo home run.
After the game, Giants manager Bob Melvin acknowledged Harrison's rustiness and noted that he seemed to improve as the game went on. Despite the rough start, Melvin was optimistic that Harrison would bounce back in his next outing. The Guardians were quick to take advantage of Harrison's struggles, with Kwan, Angel Martinez, and Jose Ramirez loading the bases in the first inning. Josh Naylor drove in the first run with a ground out, and then Jhonkensy Noel and Tyler Freeman each brought in another run to give Cleveland a 3-0 lead.
In the second inning, Kwan hit a homer off a pitch that was near the top of the strike zone, extending Cleveland's lead to four runs. Harrison was pulled in the fourth inning after throwing 72 pitches, with only 44 of them being strikes. He admitted that he had a tough time in the first inning, but felt like he was able to settle in as the game went on. Unfortunately, it was too little too late for the Giants.
The Giants struggled to get anything going against Cleveland's starter, Logan Allen, and only managed two hits in the first four innings. However, they came alive in the fifth inning, with Soler drawing a walk and Heliot Ramos getting a single. This prompted Cleveland's manager, Stephen Vogt, to replace Allen with right-hander Scott Barlow. The Giants took advantage of the pitching change, with Matt Chapman drawing a walk and Tyler Fitzgerald hitting a single to bring in two runs.
The Giants continued to rally and even pulled off a double steal that resulted in Chapman scoring from third, cutting Cleveland's lead to just one run. But Cleveland wasn't ready to give up their lead just yet, with Jhonkensy Noel hitting a homer in the sixth inning off of reliever Luke Jackson. This was Jackson's fourth homer given up this season, and it further solidified Cleveland's lead.
In the seventh inning, the Giants were able to get within striking distance again, with pinch hitter Michael Conforto hitting an RBI double to bring in Chapman. But Cleveland's closer, Emmanuel Clase, was able to shut down any further attempts at a comeback. He retired Mike Yastrzemski and Heliot Ramos, walked Chapman, and got Conforto to ground out, securing the win for Cleveland.
The Giants have one more game against Cleveland before heading home for a six-game homestand leading up to the All-Star break. Despite the loss, they have a chance to end their road trip on a high note and come back strong for the second half of the season. Righty Hayden Birdsong is expected to start for the Giants on Sunday.
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