The San Francisco Giants opened the second half of the season with a statement on Friday, defeating the Seattle Mariners 7-0 behind Willy Adames' decisive seventh-inning grand slam.

Following the victory, Adames reflected on the at-bat that broke the game open, explaining that his success came from trusting the approach he had carried throughout the night rather than trying to do too much in the biggest moment.

Adames said he felt comfortable at the plate despite not having much to show for it before his game-changing swing.

"Honestly, just trying to stay inside of the ball," Adames said of his approach during the grand slam at-bat. "I felt like I was taking good at-bats today. I felt really good at the plate."

Rather than becoming frustrated by earlier outs, Adames remained confident that his process would eventually produce results. When he got a breaking ball he could handle, he stayed with his approach of driving the ball the other way, resulting in the first grand slam of his Giants career.

"I was trying to hit the other way, and it went right where I wanted it to go," Adames said.

Adames also highlighted the continued growth of rookie Bryce Eldridge, who bounced back from an earlier missed opportunity by launching a two-run home run later in the game.

The veteran shortstop was particularly impressed by Eldridge's maturity, noting that the rookie's plate discipline is uncommon for someone his age.

"He's so mature for his age at the plate," Adames said. "The approach that he has is way ahead of his age."

Adames pointed to Eldridge's ability to learn from previous at-bats during the same game as another encouraging sign.

After popping up on a splitter in an earlier plate appearance, Eldridge adjusted the next time he saw a similar pitch and drove it out of the ballpark.

"He missed one at-bat, and then he came back and was resilient," Adames said.

Looking ahead, Adames said the Giants are focused on improving as a team over the final 65 games after a challenging first half.

"I think we've been putting together good at-bats as a team," Adames said. "We know that we have to be better, so we have to do what we have to do to be better."

Adames added that the All-Star break provided the reset he needed after spending time in Hawaii.

"I had to reset, recharge for the second half," Adames said with a smile. "I'm full of energy."

If Friday's performance is any indication, both Adames and the Giants hope that renewed energy carries into the remainder of the season.

Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It’s completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!