Atlanta. – After a long wait,
Justin Verlander can finally celebrate his first win as a member of the
San Francisco Giants. The 41-year-old veteran pitcher threw five solid innings without allowing runs and led his team to a 9-3 victory over the
Atlanta Braves, thus securing the series at
Truist Park.
The victory not only marks Verlander’s first triumph of the season after starting with a 0-8 record in 16 starts, but also his first since September 28, 2024, when he still wore the Astros uniform. Although he conceded five walks and needed 98 pitches, the right-hander limited the Braves to a single hit and showed the tenacity that has characterized him throughout his career.
“It’s been a difficult stretch physically and mentally,” Verlander commented after the game. “But this victory feels special. I was finally able to contribute to the team and that’s what matters most.”
After the performance, his teammates surprised him with a bottle of wine as a symbolic gift. Manager Bob Melvin praised the veteran’s effort: “He threw 40 pitches in the first inning, but he held firm in difficult conditions. Our bullpen was exhausted and he knew we needed that effort. It was a display of character”.
The Giants’ offense didn’t fall behind, and it featured the Dominican
Rafael Devers, who hit two home runs, including a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Devers finished the game 5-3 with four RBIs, adding five RBIs in the series and recording his 20th multi-home run game in the Major Leagues.
One of his home runs came after a slider from
Spencer Strider that was just 0.90 feet off the ground, becoming the second lowest pitch that ends in a home run this season.
With this victory, the Giants not only secured the series against Atlanta, but also extended to 17 consecutive innings without allowing runs between the second game and part of the third, until the Braves reacted in the seventh inning of the final duel. During that time, San Francisco scored 20 runs, marking a clear dominance both from the mound and with the bat.
