The San Francisco Giants kept their momentum rolling Tuesday night, securing a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second game of their four-game series. Following their opening win, the Giants again turned to veteran right-hander Adrian Houser, who delivered a solid start to anchor the team’s success.
Houser built on his recent performance against the San Diego Padres, where he surrendered just one earned run over six innings despite a loss. Against the Dodgers, he continued his quality run, throwing 5 2/3 innings while allowing three hits and two earned runs, walking three, and striking out four. Though not known for overpowering strikeout numbers, Houser relied on his trademark ability to induce weak contact and limit damage against one of baseball’s most formidable lineups.
A key development was Houser’s pitch count: for the first time this season, he exceeded 90 pitches in a start. This may indicate growing trust from the coaching staff as the Giants navigate the absence of Logan Webb and added pressure on the bullpen.
San Francisco’s offense ignited through the long ball, erupting early against Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Catcher Eric Haase led the charge with two home runs, hitting one in the third inning and another in the fifth. Center fielder Harrison Bader also contributed a solo homer in the fifth, his first since returning from Triple-A Sacramento rehab.
Haase’s power surge could stir roster decisions down the line, with top prospect Daniel Susac expected to return and Jesús Rodríguez also in the mix behind the plate. For Bader, the strong performance against a pitcher of Yamamoto’s caliber signals growing confidence after his rehab stint.
The Giants bullpen again held firm after Houser exited. Matt Gage struck out the only batter he faced in the sixth, Joel Peguero followed with a quick appearance, and Sam Hentges helped finish the seventh. Insurance runs came in the seventh inning when Drew Gilbert executed an RBI bunt single, followed by Jung Hoo Lee’s two-run double to right field. For an offense that has struggled with consistency this season, back-to-back productive games against the Dodgers suggest the lineup is finding its rhythm.
Caleb Killian closed out the ninth inning to earn his second save of the season.
With the win, the Giants improved to 18-24 and secured a 2-0 series lead. They look to clinch the series on Wednesday, as Robbie Ray is scheduled to face Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers.