MINNEAPOLIS — The Giants expect to win more often than not when Logan Webb steps on the mound. Especially when he goes deep into a game. Especially when he limits the opponent’s offense. Especially when he racks up the strikeouts.
For all his excellence, Webb couldn’t avoid the loss column.
Webb allowed two runs — both on a homer – over seven innings with nine strikeouts but took the loss as the Giants fell to the Minnesota Twins, 2-1, on Saturday evening at Target Field. For Webb, this the second time in his career that he’s pitched seven innings of two-run ball but ended up with the loss.
Heliot Ramos accounted for three of the Giants’ four hits, finishing a triple shy of the cycle, but made a costly mistake by being picked off at third base in the eighth inning.
Ramos gave the Giants a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning with a solo home run off Joe Ryan, his sixth homer of the season. That one-run advantage wouldn’t last long as Trevor Larnach, who attended College Park High School in Pleasant Hill, sent a sweeper from Webb over the right-field fence for a two-run homer, giving Minnesota a 2-1 lead. It was the first homer Webb allowed since April 1, his second start of the season.
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Twins manager Rocco Baldelli was ejected in the bottom of the sixth inning for arguing home plate Adrian Johnson’s called strike on Webb’s 2-1 sinker to Carlos Correa. Baldelli tossed his cap as he walked back to the dugout, and Webb struck out Correa on the very next pitch.
With the Giants still trailing, 2-1, Ramos began the top of the eighth inning with a double off the right-field wall, then advanced to third base on LaMonte Wade Jr.’s sharp line out. The Giants had an great opportunity to tie the game, but catcher Christian Vázquez back picked Ramos at third base, eliminating the potential tying run.
Christian Koss began the top of the ninth inning with a bunt single, but Twins closer Jhoan Duran quickly erased the threat by inducing a double play. Willy Adames, the tying run, struck out looking to end the ballgame.
Worth noting
Jerar Encarnacion (left hand fracture) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento, batting second and playing first base. The majority of Encarnacion’s reps with Sacramento will be at first base. The Giants would like to keep Wilmer Flores has a primary designated hitter to maintain his health.
Reliever Lou Trivino signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers after clearing waivers and electing free agency earlier this week. Trivino allowed eight earned runs over 12 1/3 innings with the Giants.