Lester’s first career hit helps Wells, Orioles beat Giants
SAN FRANCISCO — Josh Lester drove in two runs with his first major league hit during his season debut, and Tyler Wells won for the first time in his last four starts as the Baltimore Orioles beat the San Francisco Giants 8-3 on Sunday.
James McCann reached base three times for Baltimore, including his third home run. Adley Rutschman added two hits and Ryan Mountcastle drew a bases-loaded walk to help the Orioles to their 13th series victory of the season. A year ago, Baltimore didn’t win its 13th series until July 13.
Blake Sabol hit a two-run homer for the Giants.
A day after being shut out for the second time in five games, the Orioles jumped on starter Anthony DeSclafani early and batted around in the third inning.
Adam Frazier had a sacrifice fly and Austin Hays slashed a two-out RBI single. After Mountcastle’s four-pitch walk forced in another run, Lester drove in two more with a single to center. A third run scored on the play thanks to a throwing error by center fielder Austin Slater, making it 6-0.
McCann homered off Jakob Junis leading off the sixth. Aaron Hicks had an RBI triple in the ninth off Luke Jackson.
Wells (4-2) was mostly masterful while winning for the first time since May 13. He had a career-high nine strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings, including two in four of the first five innings. The right-hander allowed four hits and two runs with two walks. He didn’t permit a runner past first base until Sabol’s homer chased the Baltimore starter from the game.
Three relievers combined to get the final 11 outs for the Orioles.
DeSclafani (4-5) allowed five earned runs in three innings during his first career appearance against Baltimore.
DEFENSIVE JEWEL
The Giants scored once in the eighth and had a runner on first with one out when Orioles third baseman Ramón Urías made the defensive play of the game with a lunging, backhand stop of Sabol’s grounder to begin a double play.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Orioles: C James McCann was examined after being hit by a pitch on his left hand in the third inning but remained in the game.
Giants: LHP Alex Wood (lower back strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to June 1. In a corresponding move, RHP Tristan Beck was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento.
UP NEXT
Orioles: After an off day Monday, RHP Kyle Gibson (7-3, 3.89 ERA) faces the Brewers in Milwaukee on Tuesday to begin a three-game series.
Giants: Manager Gabe Kapler had not announced his rotation for the brief three-game road trip that starts Tuesday in Colorado.
