Mallex Smith’s three-run triple blemished Jeff Samardzija’s shortest start of the season and provided Mike Foltynewicz sufficient support as the Braves claimed a 5-3 win over the Giants on Monday afternoon.
Smith’s second-inning triple accounted for three of the five runs — four earned — Samardzija surrendered while needing 93 pitches to complete five innings. Brandon Belt’s second-inning homer accounted for the only run Foltynewicz allowed while limiting the Giants to three hits over six-plus innings.
The Giants had won 15 of their previous 17 games, but they were facing a challenge having arrived in Atlanta at approximately 1 a.m. ET, 12 hours before the opener of this four-game series. Arodys Vizcaino allowed two runs (one earned) in the ninth before escaping the threat, as the Braves have won three of four home games since entering Friday with a 2-20 record at Turner Field.
Nick Markakis’ second-inning double put runners at second and third base before Samardzija recorded his first out. Still, the Giants hurler was in position to escape unscathed until Smith drilled his two-out, three-run triple into the left-center-field gap to give the Braves a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Once Atlanta established its 5-1 lead, Foltynewicz gave the Giants one slim chance to make matters close. With two outs in the fifth inning, he yielded Joe Panik’s single and hit Matt Duffy with a pitch. The lukewarm rally fizzled as Foltynewicz struck out Belt on five pitches.
April 29-30 marked the last time the Giants lost back-to-back road games. They’ll try to avoid that fate in Tuesday’s rematch against the Braves. Jake Peavy will observe his 35th birthday by starting for the Giants. He’s 0-2 with a 3.44 ERA in three career starts here. Atlanta will counter with Matt Wisler, who has posted a 2.25 ERA over his first five May starts. Wisler has pitched into the seventh inning in five of his past seven starts. First pitch is set for 6:10 p.m. CT. Thunder Radio will bring you the broadcast of the game beginning at 6 PM on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network.
