What we learned as Giants walk it off vs. Cubs, snap losing streak originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – Wilmer Flores didn’t have a hit but still made the difference when he drew a two-out, bases-loaded walk-off walk to force in the winning run as the Giants rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Chicago Cubs 5-4 on Monday at Oracle Park.
Matt Chapman, who homered earlier in the game, started the comeback with a leadoff double, Thairo Estrada followed with a perfect bunt down the third base line that moved Chapman to third, Luis Matos hit a sacrifice fly to drive in one run and Austin Slater later drove in another run with his own sacrifice fly before Heliot Ramos was intentionally walked. Flores patiently worked the count to 3-1 before he finished the walk for his 12th career walk-off RBI.
That put a happy cap to an evening when the Giants paid tribute to the greatest player in franchise history.
Coming off a frustrating and disappointing 1-5 road trip, the Giants hoped a return to Oracle Park would provide some comfort. Chapman, Nick Ahmed and Ramos certainly felt good at home. Chapman and Ahmed hit solo home runs while Ramos singled twice and doubled to raise his average to .301.
Beyond that, the Giants’ offense was mostly silent until the ninth.
Cubs starter Justin Steele retired 12 of the first 13 batters he faced, setting the side down in order in three consecutive innings.
In the eighth, the Giants’ season-long nemesis – hitting with runners in scoring position – reared its ugly head again. San Francisco got runners to second and third but left them stranded when Wilmer Flores struck out swinging and Jorge Soler flew out to short right.
The Giants made it tight in the ninth when Chapman hit a leadoff double, moved to third on Thairo Estrada’s pretty bunt down the third base line and scored on Luis Matos’ sacrifice fly.
The pitching side wasn’t very good, either.
Erik Miller served as San Francisco’s opener and was followed by Spencer Bivens, who pitched two scoreless innings before giving way to rookie Raymond Burgos in his major league debut. Luke Jackson got roughed up for three runs while retiring only one batter.
Credit Spencer Howard, who earned the win, for providing a big lift out of the bullpen, which pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings and had eight strikeouts.
The evening started on an uplifting note.
The Giants held a pre-game ceremony honoring Willie Mays, with members of…