SF Giants, Mike Yastrzemski stun Cardinals with dramatic 9th-inning heroics

There's something special about these 2023 San Francisco Giants. They've got rookies providing a serious spark, and they've got a comeback spirit that has led to some dramatic wins. But none were bigger than yesterday's heroics provided by Mike Yastrzemski. Down to their last strike—and down 0-2 in the count—Yaz took some tough pitches and fouled one off, and on a 2-2 count he got a fastball over the heart of the plate and did not miss. Yastrzemski blasted one high and deep to right that was a no-doubter off the bat. The SF Giants had tied the game, and they went on to win 8-5 in extra innings. It was arguably the Giants' best win of they year, and it puts them four games over .500 and two games up in a playoff spot. Important, because the SF Giants are about to go through a very tough portion of the schedule.

Luis Matos made his major league debut in yesterday's game. He singled in his first at-bat, and hit somewhat soft lineouts in his next two. Matos is an extremely intriguing prospect, and he became the majors' second-youngest position player. But in the seventh inning, representing the tying run, Giants manager Gabe Kapler pinch hit for Matos. That was sure to make many fans upset, but it was a special circumstance and doesn't mean Matos will be platooned. To the contrary, he almost certainly won't be platooned. Don't read too much into the special circumstance of yesterday's pinch hit decision.

Anthony DeSclafani continued to struggle. Over his last many starts, he has an ERA in the 6.00s. DeSclafani had started out the year so well for the Giants, but has fallen off a lot recently, and yesterday was more of the same. Outside of Logan Webb and Alex Cobb (who's also struggled a bit recently), the SF Giants' starting staff has become problematic. The Giants have had success in bullpen games, but it's becoming clear that starting pitching may be the Giants' biggest need as the trade deadline approaches.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

Birddogs

Go to birddogs.com/lockedonmlb and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONMLB, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices