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Giants Reveal Starting Lineup With Shocking Leadoff Against Jump and Athletics

Tony Vitello is taking a chance on his leadoff man in game two against the Athletics.
Laura Lambert|
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello | Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

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San Francisco GiantsAthletics

The San Francisco Giants were in need of a boost and that is exactly what they got on Tuesday night.

Robbie Ray delivered for the team, in fact, it was one of his better starts this season. After 8.0 innings, two hits and just one earned run, Ray finally left the game.

Jung Hoo Lee smacked a second-inning home run to give San Francisco the early lead where they eventually took the win 3-1.

Wednesday night brings a new challenge. Tyler Mahle (1-7, 6.04 ERA) is taking the mound against the Athletics Gage Jump (3-1, 2.37 ERA). Clearly, the pitching edge goes to the A’s here.

The Chapman Experiment?

San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman
San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman | Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The biggest shock when looking at the lineup Tony Vitello is sending out is seeing Matt Chapman as the leadoff.

Over the season, Chapman has been steady, slashing .243/.329/.713 with seven home runs and 42 RBI. But, let’s be honest here...lately that’s not even been close to the case. Chapman hasn’t just been cool, he’s been ice cold.

In the last seven appearances, he has hit .077 with 11 strikeouts. Now he is leading off?

Vitello must be trying to break his slump. He tried this once before on June 14 against the Chicago Cubs. In three at-bats, he delivered a home run and two RBI.

Moving him to the top of the order against a left-hander may be just what Chapman needs to get some confidence and get back to hitting. His numbers against lefties seem to prove that he has the ability to work counts. The question will loom until the game is finished whether Vitello just made the right decision.

Here is the lineup for game two against the Athletics:

  1. 3B Matt Chapman
  2. 1B Bryce Eldridge
  3. 2B Casey Schmitt
  4. DH Rafael Devers
  5. SS Willy Adames
  6. RF Jung Hoo Lee
  7. LF Victor Bericoto
  8. C Eric Haase
  9. CF Jonah Cox

The Pitching Matchup

San Francisco Giants pitcher Tyler Mahle
San Francisco Giants pitcher Tyler Mahle | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

After you get over the initial shock of Chapman being the leadoff, you must recognize the challenge of the pitching matchup.

Jump is one of the better arms in the American League this year. He is 3-1 with a 2.37 ERA and has a strong ability to hold opponents in check.

Mahle, in contrast, has been the weak link of the Giants rotation. He is now 1-7 with a disappointing 6.04 ERA. Now will be the time for San Francisco’s offense to step up and carry the load.

The win on Tuesday showcased what the Giants can look like. Wednesday’s matchup is going to require them to be their best once again.

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Laura Motley Lambert
LAURA LAMBERT

Laura Lambert resides in Wiggins, Colo. with her husband, Ricky and two sons, Brayden and Boedy. She attended the University of Northern Colorado while studying economics. She is an accomplished rodeo athlete and barrel horse trainer along with being a life-long sports fan. Over the years, Laura has been active in journalism in a variety of roles. While continuing to cover western sports and country music, she is currently enjoying expanding her reach into multiple sports including MLB, NHL, and WNBA. Laura covers the San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins and Rodeo for On SI. You can reach her at lauralambertmedia@gmail.com

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