Giants down Padres 4–3 in series opener at Petco Park thanks to early homers by Ramos, Devers, Flores—and strong Robbie Ray outing.
Giants vs Padres Recap: Giants Snap Padres’ Momentum with Explosive Start
In the opening game of their four-game series, the San Francisco Giants pulled off a dramatic 4–3 victory over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The Padres, riding division momentum, were halted by a perfect storm of early offense and late-game resilience from the Giants.
First Inning Fireworks
The Giants struck quickly:
- Heliot Ramos launched a leadoff home run—his first since July 5—igniting the crowd and setting the tone.
- He wasn’t alone: Rafael Devers followed with a solo shot of his own, and Wilmer Flores added a two-run homer—all off Padres starter Nestor Cortes in one explosive frame.
A colorful moment occurred when Xander Bogaerts’ potential home run was overturned due to fan interference as Ramos was blocked from making a catch—with Ramos cheekily pointing out the interference afterward.
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Robbie Ray Holds Firm
Robbie Ray, taking the mound for San Francisco, delivered a strong outing—holding the Padres at bay into the seventh while striking out six. His command and poise kept the Giants ahead despite San Diego’s later rally.
Closing Drama
The Padres answered with two runs off a Giants’ fielding error, narrowing the score and setting up a tense finish. However, bullpen arms Ryan Walker and closer Randy Rodríguez shut the door, with Rodriguez earning his fourth save. ([turn0news20]; Rodríguez’s rise also detailed in his All-Star reliever profile .
Series Context & Stakes
- This win halts the Padres’ momentum, who had recently tied the Dodgers for the NL West lead—first time since 2010. The sweep of the Giants in the previous series helped their surge.
- The Giants, now 60–64 and third in the division, have a chance to disrupt standings momentum and reclaim some pride after a disappointing home stretch.
Key Performers
| Player | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Heliot Ramos | Leadoff HR to spark offense; taunted Padres fans post-interference. |
| Rafael Devers | Solo homer in 1st inning, extending early lead. |
| Wilmer Flores | Two-run homer in same inning to put Padres in shock. |
| Robbie Ray | Anchored the staff with six no-decisions-strength strikeouts and deep innings. |
| Randy Rodríguez | Closed out the game behind Walker with his fourth save, cementing his role. |
Bigger Picture: Why This Means Something
- Giants Need Response: With one of the worst home records—dropping 13 of 14—this feel-good win is crucial for morale and momentum.
- Padres Under Pressure: Despite recent dominance, losing a series opener exposes their bullpen vulnerabilities and shifts pressure back in a crowded race.
- Ray’s Reliability: As a former Cy Young winner and two-time All-Star, his steady performance anchors the Giants’ rotation.
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