Giants Struggle Against Diamondbacks

PHOENIX — It was an overwhelming predicament that seemed to guarantee a specific outcome.

So, naturally, the Giants were expected to falter on Tuesday night with Landen Loop pitching against the Diamondbacks. This had been the trend since the season’s early days — when Loop, on the mound, consistently led to losses.

And just as predicted, the outcome was disappointing.

Loup tied the franchise record by becoming the starter in 11 consecutive games that ended in a Giants defeat, marking a level of struggle against one team that hasn’t been seen in nearly half a century.

In what could be described as one of the least impressive performances of the streak, Loop walked six batters, allowed a significant three-run hit to Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and was ejected before the third inning ended, resulting in another 8-2 loss to the Diamondbacks.

This start marked San Francisco’s worst since they lost the opening eight games of the 1977 season against the Cubs. And yes, they did finally secure a win by the ninth matchup that season.

But, hope was fleeting on Tuesday night.

Loop struggled right from the start, quickly putting the Giants behind 3-0. He issued a walk to the second batter and let another reach base with a questionable fastball to Gabriel Moreno.

His difficulties continued, especially against Gurriel, who sent one into the stands after Loop fell behind 2-0. It was a harsh blow.

Loop issued two more walks in the second inning, including one to the leadoff batter, escaping with just a high pitch count. But the following inning was disastrous.

He again allowed the first batter on base, this time with his fifth walk, loaded the bases with singles, and ultimately permitted Arizona to score their third run.

His night ended on a two-two cutter to Ketel Marte, which resulted in a timely hit that extended the lead to 6-0. He managed only 44 strikes out of 84 pitches.

What It Means

This defeat was the Giants’ third loss in this season’s series against the Diamondbacks. Out of eight losses, they’ve been outscored 52-23, suggesting that the Diamondbacks account for more than half of the Giants’ alarming minus-57 point differential.

As if that wasn’t enough, Matt Chapman exited the game with an abdominal strain after a play in the sixth inning. With Willie Adames unavailable, the Giants found themselves in a tight spot, forcing outfielder Jonah Cox to play second base for just the second time since college. Luis Arraez stepped in at third base.

Who is Hot

Arraez managed to hit his fourth home run of the season in the fifth inning but ultimately spent the second half of the game watching from the sidelines. He reached base via a double but flew out in the eighth inning.

Rafael Devers hit his 15th home run, inching closer to Casey Schmidt, who has 16. However, his solo shot in the seventh didn’t quite make up for Marte’s previous hit.

Speaking of Marte, he has homered in four consecutive games, showcasing a hot streak.

Who is Not?

Loop’s performance drew comparisons to past Giants pitchers, but there’s only one other starter from his era with stats that mirror his current struggles.

In 1984, Mark Davis, a future Cy Young Award winner, lost 11 consecutive games, with an 0-8 record and a 6.98 ERA at that time. Loop, entering this game, was slightly better, but that distinction is fading. He now sits at 0-7 with a 5.87 ERA since April 26, when the Giants last celebrated a victory.

“The last trip was really good,” Vitello commented. “But tonight was just different, it was harder.”

The last time Loop claimed a victory was also just before the Giants traded Patrick Bailey, and the change seems to have impacted performance. If the first pitch to Drew Kavanaugh was any sign, the situation isn’t on the upswing.

Yet, Loop points to mechanics, stating, “A team that starts the last 11 games and doesn’t win is pretty bad, so I need to figure that out.”

To The Next

The Giants aim to avoid a third sweep at the hands of the Diamondbacks in Wednesday’s series finale. Trevor McDonald (2-6, 4.94) is set to pitch against Zac Gallen, a long-time challenge for the Giants, now grappling with a rough season marked by a 3-7 record and a 6.15 ERA. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM PT.