Following a 7-1 loss on Wednesday to the San Diego Padres, Giants manager Tony Vitello offered a candid assessment of two defensive miscues that proved pivotal, while mixing in both frustration and optimism about his club’s overall performance.

Both plays came on throws across the diamond, and Vitello emphasized just how nuanced the first sequence was.

“We watched the replay multiple times,” Vitello said. “It looked like on the first one, the baserunner kind of took a swipe at it. I think it was almost more playful than malicious… I don’t think it interfered, but it’s a tough angle and just a difficult play.”

With the runner arriving nearly simultaneously, execution became complicated. Vitello pointed out that improved support positioning could have helped limit the damage.

“Jungi’s always hustling,” he added, “but being in a backup position a little bit better would be ideal there.”

The second play, however, left less room for interpretation.

“The second one was just a misplay,” Vitello said. “Everything Chappy throws has good carry, but that one… it just didn’t come together.”

He later clarified the breakdown, noting it may have been a timing issue at first base.

“It looked to me like an early stretch, combined with carry,” Vitello said. “That one I didn’t even go back and look at, because you can’t reverse it.”

Despite the defensive lapses, Vitello was adamant that starter Adrian Houser deserved better.

“You’re going to have to battle through adversity as a starting pitcher,” he said. “But it really would have been nice to reward Houser… with how good his outing was.”

Houser’s ability to push through traffic impressed his manager, who believed the right-hander earned his extended outing.

“At the very least, he threw the ball well today,” Vitello said. “He kind of earned the right to be out there in that situation.”

The frustration was visible, particularly after the second miscue.

“He was upset,” Vitello said of Houser. “He’s trying to win the game… and I think everybody felt that frustration.”

Offensively, the Giants showed flashes but couldn’t capitalize.

“We were close a couple different times,” Vitello said. “Whether it’s ball four or squaring up pitches, guys were on some, just not quite enough.”

Even in defeat, Vitello pointed to a shift in energy compared to earlier games.

“The vibe today was way better than it was our first three games,” he said. “Basically every part of the game… until late.”

That late-game stretch also brought concern as Jose Butto exited with arm tightness.

“All’s I know is it was clearly tightness,” Vitello said. “At the very least, there was tightness… somewhere elbow, forearm area.”

While no diagnosis is confirmed, Vitello acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with such situations.

“Your mind always goes to the worst,” he said. “But you hope for the best.”

Despite the loss, Vitello believes there were still positives to take from the road trip.

“It truly was a positive trip overall,” he said. “You get a series win… and today, you push the opponent, you get the closer in the game.”

Ultimately, his message was clear: The effort is trending up, but execution must follow.

“You’re not going to make them all,” Vitello said. “But it is the big leagues… you’d like to make that play.”

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