Samardzija, Giants Stumble In Atlanta; Braves Win 5-3
ATLANTA (AP) — Mallex Smith hit a three-run triple in the second inning, Mike Foltynewicz continued his recent upswing by allowing only three hits and one run in six-plus innings and the Atlanta Braves beat Jeff Samardzija and the San Francisco Giants 5-3 on Monday.
The Braves survived San Francisco's two-run, ninth-inning rally. They have won three of four and are now 5-21 at home, still easily the worst in the majors.
Brandon Crawford's run-scoring single in the ninth was the Giants' third straight hit off Arodys Vizcaino. The closer struck out Jarrett Parker before second baseman Kelly Johnson bobbled pinch-hitter Buster Posey's grounder, allowing another run to score. Kolby Tomlinson's grounder to third base ended the game.
The Giants suffered only their third loss in their last 15 road games. Overall, it was San Francisco's third loss in 18 games.
Foltynewicz (2-2) gave up a leadoff homer to Brandon Belt in the second inning but allowed only one other runner to advance to second. He was lifted after allowing a leadoff single to Hunter Pence in the seventh, only his third hit allowed. He had two walks and four strikeouts and lowered his ERA to 3.51.
Samardzija (7-3) was looking for his fourth straight win as a starter for the first time in his career. The right-hander allowed five runs, four earned, on six hits and two walks in five innings — his shortest start of the season.
Samardzija and the Giants paid for a decision to issue an intentional walk to A.J. Pierzynski, loading the bases with one out in the second. Samardzija struck out Foltynewicz, the No. 8 hitter, before Smith drove in three runs with his triple to the left-center gap. It was Smith's third triple, and he ranks second on the team with 18 RBIs.
Belt's fielding error on a run-scoring grounder by Nick Markakis was part of Atlanta's two-run third inning.
Giants right-hander Chris Stratton, called up from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday when Matt Cain was placed on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain, made his debut with a perfect eighth inning with two strikeouts.
NEW/OLD OPTION AT SHORTSTOP
Gordon Beckham made his first start at shortstop since July 9, 2015 with the White Sox. He has started 11 games at second base and 10 games at third base this season. Shortstop was his original position, including as a standout at the University of Georgia.
"I always like going back over there," Beckham said. "It's fun being the captain of the defense for a day."
Beckham began the day hitting .306, but manager Brian Snitker said he has been even more impressed with the veteran's defense.
With Erick Aybar (bruised right foot) on the 15-day disabled list, Daniel Castro and Chase D'Arnaud are Atlanta's other options at shortstop.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Giants: 3B Matt Duffy was taken for X-rays after he was hit on his left hand by a pitch in the sixth inning. He completed the inning before being replaced by Kolby Tomlinson. ... RHP Sergio Romo (strained flexor) could rejoin the team within a week. He has allowed one run with six strikeouts in three innings in his rehab stint with Triple-A Sacramento.
UP NEXT
Giants: RHP Jake Peavy will try to improve his 7.26 ERA by continuing his recent upswing when he faces the Braves on Tuesday night. Peavy has allowed only one earned run in two of his last three starts. The other start in that span was an ugly loss to the Cubs in which he lasted only 1 2/3 innings and allowed five runs.
Braves: RHP Matt Wisler (2-4, 3.08) will make his first career start against the Giants. Wisler is 0-3 with a 4.18 ERA in five home starts and is 2-1 with a 1.86 ERA away from Turner Field.
