Robbie Ray provided the length and dominance the San Francisco Giants needed in a 7-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves.
Amid the San Francisco Giants’ series opener against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, a game that was ultimately suspended due to rain, play resumed Wednesday with the Giants holding a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the second inning.
The Giants went on to secure a 7-2 victory.
San Francisco turned to Robbie Ray after Adrian Houser started Tuesday’s contest. Houser was only able to complete one inning before the suspension, allowing three hits and two earned runs while walking one and striking out two.
Ray, who was originally scheduled to start Wednesday evening’s game, was moved into an earlier role to provide length for the Giants upon the game’s resumption. The decision was somewhat surprising, as teams often lean on bullpen games in these situations.
Instead, San Francisco entrusted one of its top starters with the bulk of the work.
In the top of the fifth inning, the Giants added two runs on solo home runs from Rafael Devers and Jung Hoo Lee. Devers connected for his 10th homer of the season, while Lee launched his fourth, extending San Francisco’s lead to 5-2.
Lee’s home run continued what has been an encouraging offensive season for the Giants outfielder. He entered the game batting .331 with a .362 on-base percentage and an .818 OPS.
The leap he has taken at the plate this season is evident. Perhaps most impressive has been his ability to drive the ball with more authority. While the home run totals may not fully reflect that growth, his increase in extra-base hits compared to previous seasons has been noticeable.
Ray ultimately delivered a dominant performance, tossing 6 1/3 innings while allowing just two hits and two walks and striking out eight.
Considering he was coming off a start against the Washington Nationals in which he surrendered five runs across 5 2/3 innings, Wednesday’s outing represented a significant step in the right direction for the veteran left-hander.
That improvement could prove beneficial for the Giants in more ways than one. Initial reporting from ESPN’s Buster Olney indicates San Francisco could be sellers at the MLB Trade Deadline.
With Ray in the final year of his contract, continued performances like this one could further increase his value should the Giants explore moving him.
The Giants added another run in the top of the eighth inning when Willy Adames launched a solo home run, his 12th of the season, extending the lead to 6-2.
Following Ray’s outing, Dylan Smith entered in the eighth inning and was effective in relief, recording the outs needed to escape the frame. He returned in the ninth inning and closed out the victory for San Francisco.
The Giants added one final run in the ninth inning to make it 7-2 heading into the bottom half, where Smith completed the win.
San Francisco will return to action later Wednesday evening when it faces Atlanta in the second game of the day.
Carson Whisenhunt is scheduled to start for the Giants as the club’s designated 27th man, a roster allowance granted during doubleheaders. The outing will mark his first start of the season after spending the year with Triple-A Sacramento. The Braves are expected to counter with JR Ritchie.
Join the Community
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!


