On the subject of retaliation, Ramos suggested it would help if the offense gave pitchers a cushion to provide some breathing room, and that’s been an issue of late. The Giants had just five hits Wednesday and are a meager 8-for-59 with runners in scoring position on the homestand. They’ve lost seven of 10.
“We have to score runs for them to protect us,” Ramos said. “At the end of the day, you always have to send a message. That’s what the game’s about. There are a lot of unwritten rules that people got away from. Those rules are what keeps the feel of the game. At one point, it’s going to happen. We have to support [the pitchers] too, and score runs for them and back them up too, so they can protect us.”
The universal designated hitter rule was implemented in 2022, meaning National League pitchers no longer needed to step to the plate and take hacks — or get drilled. Before the rule change, an NL pitcher who plunked opposing batters was vulnerable to getting hit himself as a form of retaliation. Because pitchers don’t bat anymore, they’re no longer exposed to that type of retribution.
Their teammates are, however, and that’s what Webb seemed to be referencing.
When Melvin was asked about possible retaliation, he said, “It’s not something I certainly want to speak about, but obviously we need in situations to protect our guys, too.”
Leadoff hitter Mike Yastrzemski gave the Giants a 1-0 lead with a first-inning homer, and after Webb gave up Otto López’s two-run double in the fourth, the Giants tied it 2-2 on Christian Koss’ sacrifice fly. The Marlins moved ahead 4-2 in the eighth off Tyler Rogers. Willy Adames’ ninth-inning sacrifice fly to the wall made it 4-2 (he thought it was going to be a grand slam), and Patrick Bailey’s single to left tied it. On the play, third base coach Matt WIlliams sent home Lee, who was thrown out, the second time in two nights a runner sent by Williams was nailed.
After the Giants complete the homestand Thursday, they hit the road for a three-city tour to face the White Sox, Diamondbacks, and A’s. Those teams rank second, sixth, and third, respectively, in hitting the most batters.
The Giants hope Schmitt, who’s playing third for injured Matt Chapman, can make the trip.
“It’s kind of annoying, but it’s how the game goes,” Schmitt said. “Stuff like that happens. It doesn’t seem like it’s intentional at all. It’s definitely not a fun thing to go through, especially when you’ve been hit before. I’ve gotten hit in the face. I’ve fractured my wrist. I’ve had these injuries. It’s annoying and frustrating.”