Adames’ Big Bat and Webb’s Homecoming Win Propel Giants to Series Tie
By [Your Name] | San Francisco Chronicle Sports | July 7, 2025
SACRAMENTO — The San Francisco Giants got exactly the kind of performance they needed on Sunday: timely hitting from their newest slugger, a gutsy outing from their homegrown ace, and a victory that might just inject fresh life into their season.
Willy Adames delivered his first four-RBI game since donning a Giants uniform, while Logan Webb shone brightly in front of a hometown crowd, pitching six strong innings to earn the win as San Francisco topped the Oakland Athletics, 7-3, at Sutter Health Park. The victory evened the Bay Bridge series at one game apiece and set up a dramatic rubber match Monday night.
“This was a big one for us,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said postgame. “We’ve been looking for a spark, and Willy gave it to us tonight. And Logan — man, you could tell how much it meant to him to pitch in front of his people.”
A Homecoming to Remember
For Webb, Sunday’s start wasn’t just another outing. The Giants ace, a Rocklin native, grew up less than 30 minutes from the ballpark and had dozens of family and friends in attendance.
“It’s always special to pitch close to home,” Webb said, a grin stretching across his face. “I saw my high school coach in the stands, saw a bunch of people from back in the day. I just wanted to put on a good show.”
He did just that. Webb allowed three runs on six hits over six innings, striking out seven and walking just one. Though the A’s touched him up for a pair of runs in the third inning, Webb settled in, retiring eight of the final nine batters he faced.
“He’s a bulldog,” Melvin said. “No moment’s too big for him, especially here. You could tell he was feeding off the crowd.”
Adames Breaks Through
While Webb was locking things down on the mound, Adames was busy making noise at the plate.
Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in an offseason trade, the veteran shortstop had struggled to find his rhythm early this season. But Sunday might have marked his breakthrough. Adames went 3-for-4 with a double and four RBIs, driving in runs in the first, third, and fifth innings.
His biggest blow came in the third: a two-run single that turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 Giants lead, one they never relinquished.
“It feels amazing,” Adames said. “I’ve been working so hard to get my timing right. The coaches and my teammates have been supporting me. I’m just happy to help the team win.”
Adames’ teammates were thrilled to see the shortstop’s bat finally come alive.
“We all know what Willy can do,” said Giants catcher Patrick Bailey. “He’s got pop, he can change a game with one swing. Today, he showed it.”
Offense Steps Up
Beyond Adames’ heroics, the Giants got contributions up and down the lineup. Michael Conforto chipped in two hits, including a solo homer in the seventh inning that provided extra insurance. LaMonte Wade Jr. added a pair of singles and scored twice.
The Giants racked up 11 hits overall and capitalized on A’s starter JP Sears’ mistakes, forcing him from the game after just 4.1 innings.
“It’s been a grind for us offensively,” Melvin acknowledged. “But we had some good at-bats today, worked some counts, and made them pay.”
Bullpen Closes the Door
After Webb departed, the Giants bullpen handled the final three innings with authority. Ryan Walker, Taylor Rogers, and Camilo Doval each tossed scoreless frames, combining for five strikeouts while allowing only one baserunner.
For Doval, the outing was particularly encouraging after recent struggles with command. He struck out two batters in a dominant ninth inning, punctuating the win with a 101 mph fastball to fan A’s slugger Brent Rooker.
“When Camilo’s throwing strikes, he’s as good as anyone in the league,” Melvin said. “He looked electric today.”
Evening the Series
The win lifted San Francisco to 44-42 on the season, keeping them firmly in the hunt in the crowded National League Wild Card race. More importantly, it injected confidence into a team that had dropped four of its previous five games.
“It’s huge for morale,” Webb said. “Nobody wants to go into a series finale down 0-2. Now we’ve got a chance to win the series.”
Adames agreed. “We’re fighting for every game. Today showed what we’re capable of when we put it all together.”
Looking Ahead
The Giants will send right-hander Keaton Winn to the mound for Monday’s finale, while the A’s are expected to counter with veteran lefty Alex Wood, who will be facing his former team.
Melvin knows his club still has work to do but believes Sunday’s win could be a turning point.
“We’ve had some tough stretches,” he said. “But this group doesn’t quit. If we keep getting efforts like today, we’re going to be in a good spot.”
For Giants fans, Sunday was more than just a win. It was a reminder that baseball, at its best, can blend personal stories with team triumphs — from Webb’s emotional homecoming to Adames’ long-awaited breakout.
And with the season’s second half looming, the Giants might just be heating up at exactly the right time.