San Francisco Giants Pitcher Joins Franchise Legends in Historic Sunday Outing

The San Francisco Giants beat the Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon as righty Hayden Birdsong put together a historic performance on the mound.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Hayden Birdsong (60) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on July 7. | David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco Giants beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2 on Sunday afternoon to stay within striking distance of a playoff berth in the hotly-contested National League.

At 48-52, San Francisco is just 3.0 games back of the third and final wild card spot. They are trying to do enough to be buyers at the trade deadline - or at least do enough to keep their current team together.

In the win on Sunday, rookie pitcher Hayden Birdsong put together a historic outing not seen since 1960 for the organization.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com on social media:

most strikeouts in a game within first 5 career outings, Giants since 1901:

4/25/37 Cliff Melton: 13
Today Hayden Birdsong: 12
7/19/60 Juan Marichal: 12

most strikeouts in a game within first 5 career outings, Giants since 1901:

4/25/37 Cliff Melton: 13
Today Hayden Birdsong: 12
7/19/60 Juan Marichal: 12

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 21, 2024

Birdsong went 6.0 innings to get those 12 strikeouts, surrendering just two hits, two walks and two earned runs along the way. Through his first five career starts, he's now 2-0 with a 3.55 ERA. He has 30 strikeouts in 25.1 innings.

He's currently the No. 4 prospect in the Giants system, per MLB.com. The following comes from a portion of his MLB.com prospect profile:

After working with a low-90s fastball in college, Birdsong now operates at 93-96 mph and touches 98 with armside run and carry. His upper-70s curveball has gotten a tick harder as well and gives him a second plus pitch, and its quality depth helps him neutralize left-handers. He employs a solid 82-85 mph slider with shorter break against right-handers and also flashes a decent mid-80s changeup with some fade. 

With a strong 6-foot-4 frame and a clean delivery, Birdsong can maintain his stuff deep into games and throughout a full season.

The Giants will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night with first pitch coming at 10:10 p.m. ET.

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