Despite a multi-homer performance from Rafael Devers, the San Francisco Giants couldn't protect a late lead against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.
The San Francisco Giants appeared to be in position to salvage the series finale Sunday afternoon before another costly late-inning breakdown erased their advantage.
San Francisco surrendered the lead in the eighth inning and fell 7-6 to the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, wasting a strong offensive showing that featured three home runs, including a pair from Rafael Devers.
Devers Continues to Carry the Offense
Devers provided nearly all the offensive firepower the Giants needed, launching two home runs to increase his team-leading total to 18 on the season.
San Francisco also received home runs from Casey Schmitt and Drew Gilbert, helping the offense build enough momentum to remain in front for much of the afternoon.
The combination of power gave the Giants multiple answers whenever Colorado threatened, but it ultimately wasn't enough to overcome their struggles late in the game.
Bullpen Can't Hold the Lead
The turning point came in the eighth inning after San Francisco handed the ball to its bullpen with a narrow advantage.
Colorado capitalized on the opportunity when Kyle Karros connected on a go-ahead, three-run home run, flipping the game in the Rockies' favor and silencing the Giants' comeback hopes. The towering blast proved to be the decisive swing as San Francisco was unable to respond in the ninth.
Reliever Dylan Smith was charged with the loss after allowing the decisive homer, while the Giants were retired in order to end the game despite bringing the tying run into scoring position during the final inning.
Missed Opportunity Before Returning Home
Although the Giants' offense showed encouraging signs, the inability to finish the game overshadowed another productive day at the plate.
San Francisco left Colorado with a disappointing series-ending defeat after receiving enough offense to win, only to see a late lead disappear against a Rockies club that capitalized on one mistake.
The Giants will have little time to dwell on the loss as they return home to begin a new series Monday night.
Right-hander Landen Roupp is scheduled to take the mound as San Francisco opens a matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays, looking to bounce back after letting a winnable game slip away.
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